2016 FT Recruitment: London

hi WSO,

long-time lurker, first-time poster.
Although it's too early to talk about 2016 FT recruitment, I have a question for everyone working in London.

After graduation, I started a long-term internship (13 months) for a French investment bank (BNP, SG, CAIB), in London , IBD, with clear indication there would be no full-time offer.

As my internship ends in December, I am thinking to apply to grad schemes. Is this something acceptable? I will have about 1.5yrs of work-experience post-graduation by the 2016 start date, but it will all be internship positions.

Alternatively, should I try to pursue lateral positions?

11 Comments
 

errrr...try both? Lateral postions available? If no, apply for grad. and for the love of god, network.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 
"Oreos"

errrr...try both? Lateral postions available? If no, apply for grad. and for the love of god, network.

Thanks for the advice. But should I ONLY look at lateral positions? Would I have too much post-grad work experience to be considered for grad schemes?

 

Networking is definitely advised. A long term internship might not be considered enough for a lateral role although this is dependent on how hr views your application.

Our class had someone in markets who was in the exact position as you after having done more than a year at a french bank. HR put her on the analyst summer internship after grad places had filled up.

 
"AgentSmith"

exact position as you after having done more than a year at a french bank

Thanks!

French banks are known for their track-record of employing interns for long periods, up to 2 years in internship/trainee positions. Although, I'm doing coverage, I'm only involved in multiples valuation, so no real DCF/LBO/M&A modelling experience. Also, I have little deal execution experience, mostly pitching. So, lateraling is fairly difficult and that's why I want to start a regular grad program.

 

This is where the asymmetries with hr and people in the business might arise. HR could see it as you having been out of education for 1.5y and could reject you where as someone in the business would prefer taking on an analyst as an intern or grad with your experience. Key takeaway is network to make sure someone has a reason to progress you past the screening.

 

Varies from bank to bank, check out their websites and email HR if it's not clear they should be able to give you accurate answers pretty quickly.

 
tork

any suggestions on who should I realistically target for networking? Analysts, associates?

Seriously dude, think for yourself.
"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

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