2026 FT recruiting is a bloodbath
Hello,
Bit of a non-trad background here, but I went to a sister campus of a good US public school and recruited for FP&A post grad for just 1 year. Realized I didn't like it and wanted to pursue banking but for personal reasons I ended up at a non-US Mfin program ranked well in its region but rarely do students recruit to the US from it. Ended up networking and interning in PE at a firm in NYC this summer (split my program into 2 years so I could intern), got ridiculous deal experience and networked 24/7 until I pissed espresso.
I've maintained momentum and have continued to reach out to people but every single time I have a fruitful conversation with someone, it just fizzles because they aren't hiring. I've targeted BB, EB, MM, lower MM, etc.
I maintain my connections and if my relationship is good enough I ask for introductions, but again the answer I've heard too many times is "we're full this year" or "our intern class was quite large this summer" or something of the sort.
I'm extremely prepared for interviews, can do a paper LBO blindfolded, the whole 9 yards. Not really sure what I'm asking for here other than if it'll get any better if I just keep doing this.
I realize its not anyone being malicious or discriminatory (I think), its just a tough environment to recruit into. Correct me if I'm wrong? Is there anything else I should be doing?
Also coming from a non traditional background and been having trouble picking up traction. Think the market is tough at the moment unfortunately. Will probably plan to pursue a masters and hope that the economy picks up next FT recruiting cycle.
Choose your masters program wisely tbh, the name and network 100% matters.
Yup I realized that when I chose to go to an international undergraduate program that ranked highly but unknown in the US.
I think it is always a uphill climb and if you keep going you will land something maybe not IB however maybe a stepping stone or a smaller Ibank or maybe PE. There should still be a few banks opening up apps but would not be too optimistic caveat being the applicant pool likely gets weaker longer we go so there is opportunity.
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