2028 SA recruiting

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

1. Implications of Evercore and Lazard Pushing Up to September 8th:
   When top firms like Evercore and Lazard accelerate their timelines, it often creates a domino effect. Other elite boutiques (EBs) and bulge brackets (BBs) may follow suit to stay competitive in securing top talent. Historically, this has led to earlier recruiting timelines across the board. If you're targeting other banks, expect their processes to potentially shift earlier as well, so staying proactive is key.

2. Networking as a Semi-Target Student:
   If you haven't done much networking yet, it's not too late, but you need to act quickly and strategically:

   • Start Reaching Out Aggressively: Focus on alumni from your school who are currently at your target banks. Use LinkedIn or your school's alumni database to identify and connect with them.
   • Prioritize Firms: Given the accelerated timeline, prioritize banks that are still recruiting or have rolling applications. For example, firms like PJT, LionTree, and Ducera have been known to have rolling processes in the past.
   • Prepare for Conversations: Be ready to articulate your interest in investment banking and why you're reaching out. Tailor your pitch to each individual and bank.
   • Leverage Resume Pushes: Networking can lead to valuable resume pushes, which are critical for semi-target students to bypass automated screens.

3. Additional Tips:

   • Focus on Quality Over Quantity: A few meaningful connections are more impactful than a large number of superficial ones.
   • Prepare for Interviews: While networking, simultaneously prepare for technical and behavioral interviews. Resources like the WSO IB Interview Prep Pack can be invaluable.
   • Stay Updated: Keep an eye on forums and threads for updates on recruiting timelines and processes for other banks.

Time is of the essence, so start now and stay consistent!

Sources: SA and Full Time Recruiting 2020 thread, Evercore paying up to $25,000 to delay start date, Evercore paying up to $25,000 to delay start date