I know it's really early but thought I'd get this started for us to keep each other updated given how early/fast 2024 SA was. I havent started networking yet but I am reaching out to boutique IBs to secure an internship the summer before freshman year so I'm competitive for club recruiting and 2025 soph SA programs. Curious to hear where others are in the process in terms of networking, interview prep, and potential 1st rounds
| +136 | Restructuring: Anti-climactic Experience | 36 | 5h |
| +109 | IB Net Worth / Savings Check | 51 | 4h |
| +99 | Woman who emptied Knicks trashcan on street then stole it was DEI exec, worked at JPMorgan Chase | 25 | 1h |
| +82 | Stop sleeping on UBS - it’s pretty good | 29 | 41m |
| +70 | Hot take: I’d rather be at Desjardins than UBS for investment banking in 2026 | 11 | 25m |
| +56 | 2026 VAULT PRESTIGE RANKINGS | 30 | 1h |
| +39 | AI + Financial Modelling | 12 | 1d |
| +32 | Hardest interview experiences? | 18 | 8m |
| +28 | Summer before college | 17 | 19h |
| +26 | Current State of UBS in North America | 8 | 2d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Hi! I’m in a similar situation. Class of 2027 in hs (ignore title) looking to break into the industry and follow the traditional IB -> MFPE -> H/S MBA -> MFPE -> SM HF path after college. Would it be a good idea to start building those connections now or is it better to focus on internships and classes?
I specifically want to pursue restructuring as it’s something I’m very passionate about and am on my third read of Moyer and wrapping up the HL Case Study. I also started a restructuring club at my high school and convinced most of my friends (who could make it through our interview process) to join. Also want to start a L/S investing club, but most of my friends are unaware of how early recruiting starts and they haven’t been developing their investment acumen (haven’t read The Snowball, Intelligent Investor, etc).
I would also appreciate any advice on finding internships for sophomore/junior summer of high school that would set me up well for a career as a hedge fund manager/founder and serve as talking points when I network for college club interviews the summer after my junior year in high school (plan to get recruited as a student-athlete (H/W/P/Y) to start networking earlier).
I started reaching out to partners at a few firms (BX/KKR/Cerberus/Oaktree) but haven’t gained much traction so far. I assume this is due to my lack of tangible experience in the industry, but that is something I intend to work on over the next few months.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Nice to meet you! I am always looking for an opportunity to do some networking. I'm looking at your progress and starting to feel like I'm wayyy behind the curve... do you think if I put in the work over the next year or two I'll still be able to land IB for 2026?
Sorry, offers for sophomore 2025 programs went out last week. Maybe you can extend graduation to 2028 and try again next year?
Watch this actually become the norm in 5-10 years lol
Lol
i figured out i need to focus more on getting laid when i didn’t realize this was satire at first and thought i was fucked bc of it…
ngl did not realize this was a shitpost until i saw your comment
Same here🤣
Hey future HYP class of ‘34 here, is it too early to start networking for SA 2033? Currently a 5th year at a no-name public elementary, grades are strong (all gold stars and check-plus), and I founded an IB club that meets during recess. Anything else I should be doing to prep for recruiting at this point? I’m worried it may kick off in the next couple years and I want to ready to go.
Was on the golden path you mentioned and currently a partner at one of the upper MF. Some baller tips for aspiring financier:
1. Networking, networking, networking
And I don't mean reaching out to VP/MD or god forbid - associates. You have the front seat to networking with MF partners' children, make use of it. Even better, marry into rich. From first-hand experience, high school kids are either too nerdy or too Chad/Brad-y. Strike a balance, be genuine, follow March Madness and you might score a coffee chat with my daughter.
2. Technical prep
And I don't mean study the guides or invest your own money. I mean do an actual transaction. Maybe it's vanilla add-on acquisition to expand your school's geographic region. Maybe it's raising capital from your buddies and acquiring a small local college consultancy. Maybe it's providing loan-to-own solutions to a friend who is low on cash to satisfy every crazy ask from his GF. Or just go to a big institution and 10x your money.
It's not going to be easy but these are tried and true methods. Frankly, if you're aiming for the top 0.0001% of the financier world, all should be pretty intuitive. It's time to convert those ambition into action and walk the walk. Hope this helps and maybe one day we will cross path at an interview.
I just wanted to let you all know RBC has already released their SA 2026 application on their website. Please apply ASAP without any experience so they can clearly see your potential.
Porro minima commodi et repellat et. Temporibus aut in ut. Ducimus id quod voluptatum earum labore ut ut.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...