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Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's definitely plausible to target BBs (Bulge Bracket banks) and top MMs (Middle Market banks) for FT (Full-Time) recruitment, even if you missed out on the SA (Summer Analyst) recruitment cycle. Here are some steps and advice to consider for re-recruitment:

  1. Leverage Your Current Offer: Having an IB (Investment Banking) coverage role at a bank like CIBC, SMBC, or MUFG is a strong starting point. It shows you have the skills and qualifications to work in the industry.

  2. Network Aggressively: Start building relationships with professionals at BBs and top MMs. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and any other connections you have. Networking can often lead to interviews and offers.

  3. Excel in Your Current Role: Perform exceptionally well in your current IB role. Strong performance can lead to good references and the possibility of internal mobility within the bank or attractiveness to other firms.

  4. Prepare for Interviews: Brush up on technical skills and practice behavioral questions. Consider resources like WSO's IB Interview Course to ensure you're well-prepared.

  5. Understand the FT Hiring Cycle: Full-time hiring is less structured than SA recruiting, but it typically starts in the summer or early fall. Be ready to apply as soon as positions are posted.

  6. Target Banks That Hire More FT Analysts: Some banks are known to hire more FT analysts than others, often due to their business needs or turnover rates. Research and target these banks specifically.

  7. Consider a Plan B: If BBs and top MMs don't work out, be open to other opportunities that can lead to your desired path in the long run.

Remember, persistence and preparation are key. It's not uncommon for candidates to move from smaller banks to larger ones, so stay focused and proactive in your approach. Good luck!

Sources: Q&A: Non-target to Top MM, Are transfers really screwed?, 2023 Recruitment Official IB Rankings (Post-CS), How does PE recruiting work from MM banks?, Comp at Top MM Firms?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

i attempted to do full time recruiting from SMBC/MUFG and despite getting superdays/1st rounds across MM/BB with AGGRESSIVE networking + applications with me having a 3.9+ GPA/strong semi-target, it is extremely difficult, inspite of outright acing the technicals + doing well on behaviorals. from the limited feedback i received from my interviews, the SA holds you back in a market like this where CS/JPM/MS people didnt get returns because banks like these just arent respected as much. FT recruiting is random + luck based, and especially difficult in a market like this. of my intern class from what ive seen, most accepted the FT return or landed some adjacent role.

of the laterals I have seen, it was all during 2021-2022 period where the lateral market was absurdly hot. even then, it was mostly to Wells, laterals to lazard PCA, and random mid tier BB groups (citi cleantech). best of luck!

 

Thanks for the info. I have a similar background so that’s unfortunate to hear that it was still extremely tough to compete during FT.

 
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So I had an internship at a no-name boutique that I knew I didn't want to be at, and lateraled to a larger, better known boutique that pays street pay. Generally, I would give this advice in terms of timeline (which was given to me by older ppl who were even more successful getting upper-tier MMs and BBs).

1. Network HARD near the end of the spring semester going into the summer before senior year. The main goal here is just to get your name out there as soon as possible, and hint that the place you are going isn't where you are gonna want to be (most likely). It's important here to be political about it, where you are hinting at the fact you want to lateral without making it a foregone conclusion (it just looks bad/immature to preemptively say without a doubt that the place you are going isn't good enough for you, better to get there and then come up with reasons why you aren't a fan).

2. After you complete those contacts in the spring and enter into your summer internship, don't network and FOCUS ON GETTING THE RETURN OFFER. This means staying late, giving zero indication you want to leave, doing good work, etc. The single most important thing is to get that return offer so that you can say in interviews later that the bank wanted you back, but you wanted a "greater challenge" or "a more intense learning environment" or whatever. It also makes sense to not reach out because the banks don't know how many of their interns are competent yet (and thus how many spots will be open), and it looks premature to already be looking to jump ship when you've done 5 days of an intern program. 

3. From the perspective of the banks, they start to get a read on how many interns will get return offers by weeks 6-8 or so into the 10 week program. At this point, it makes sense to reach back out to the people you talked to in the spring and say basically "Hey, I am enjoying doing IB but I am interested in exploring other opportunities yada yada yada". I would also recommend being interview ready before these networking calls in the late summer because sometimes those calls almost act like 1st round interviews.

4. From here on out (until around mid-October), it's go time. Pretty much all of the spots the banks need filled are filled during this period, and it's important to be scouring websites, handshake, and your connections for any jobs that open up. This is where luck comes in, in that there's a decent chance that nothing pops up. THAT'S OKAY. Your life won't end if you have to work at CIBC/SMBC/MUFG for couple years. You can lateral later, and if you are genuinely cut out for a better spot you'll be in a small pond where you can excel relative to your peers. 

Obviously following that timeline worked for me, but that's just anecdotal evidence, and there might be better ways to navigate the tough process of rerecruiting for FT roles. Hope this helps!

 

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