Advice for first gen student trying to get into investment banking

Was first-gen and at a target during recruiting last year non-diversity. Came out with several offers early on. Used this site pretty religiously got almost all info from here, never bought any of the guides either, but I also began slowly networking during my freshman year. Work hard and aim on sending ~100 emails out per week.

Don’t worry about what others are doing at your target, focus on your own grind as most don’t have nearly the work ethic to stay in the industry for long anyway even if they land a big shot offer. It doesn’t matter too much anyway because you can still place better than everyone else at your school if you really work on polishing yourself . If you have more questions let me know and I can PM you.

I’m not sure how resourceful this will be, but here’s a database I found that cost money ... but provides lots of contacts

http://www.hedge-professionals.com/

comments above have covered most of the essentials. One thing I'd add:

NEVER use your disadvantages (school, family, wealth, nationality etc.) as an alibi for failure, it's a dangerous thought that makes u feel better about not achieving what u want. I come from Asia where local college kids constantly blame banks' preferences towards US/UK uni kids and mainland Chinese kids as an excuse as to why they couldn't land a gig. The blame culture is toxic. If you really want to achieve something, get it done at all costs! Best of luck OP!!!

First Gen kiddo here. I echo what the others have said: by any means necessary you have to get it done. For me personally, first gen wasn't a disadvantage, but my resume and lack of professional etiquette was. I was nervous, and honestly afraid that people would judge me for my background being from a poor background  - which came across during interviews. I didn't have substance or anything meaningful on my resume when I was a sophomore recruiting, which only added to my nervousness. Nevertheless, I pulled through in the end finally. Like what the poster said above: it's all about habits, and that starts from you. Take it slow, pause when you don't know (silence is better than "ummm idk"), recognize you are as deserving of a job as any Brad Dick and Joe from New England, and kill it. You got this.

the diversity bullshit needs to end because it actually violates the United States Constitution. 

The above posters mentioned some good points, but I think the biggest disadvantage is some of the intangibles that are difficult to change. Assuming you were not raised in a white-collar or wealthy environment, first-gen students lack the most in cultural professionalism. It can be difficult to navigate certain conversations with professionals because of a lack of experience (cultural experiences one learns during international travel, professionalism from parents when speaking to affluent individuals, and general lack of access to opportunities). The best way to succeed in a service area that promotes prestige and pedigree is, quite frankly, immersion. To succeed you need to understand the process and try to relate to the individuals you are speaking with in some way. This specific experience comes with time and repetition. First-gen students know how to work hard - use that determination to understand the areas where you need to work hard.