Advice on next steps regarding London SA26
Hi,
looking for advice for what steps make most sense in my position and appreciate any opinions/experience you could offer.
I study a finance-related course at a T1 uni, received awards for academic merit, bilingual w another major European language, and currently penultimate year. I did a Spring at an EB in London which I did not convert which was fully on me; at the time I underestimated the preparation needed and value of a conversion but I cannot change the past. I then did my first year summer in my home country at a reputable bank (~$30bn AuM) within their alternative assets division where I mainly did FoF work.
During this cycle, I got to 2 ACs (IB MM, Infra PE at T1 UMM) and had 3 more first rounds for IB MM/EB and 2 for T1/T2 HFs.
Generally, I got through screening rounds most of the time so I think my CV/profile was sufficient for that but it seems I couldn't quite cut it in HireVues and later stages even after interviews/ACs that felt very positive. Have thought a lot about potential deficiencies in my performance and while by no means I think I was perfect in all of those, I just cannot pinpoint anything that would explain these disappointing conversion rates. Talked to our career services multiple times who also could not pinpoint anything. For reference, I applied to ~100 internships. Needless to say, after all that work it is difficult to not feel discouraged/doubt myself especially since I cannot find a specific reason, but I am keeping my head up and looking for other opportunities.
So this is where I am at. Currently applying to whatever interesting positions are still open and probably looking to reach out to firms that do not have positions publicly listed. Will also apply to opportunities in my home country. If you could offer any advice, especially if you have been in a similar position, I would greatly appreciate that.
Regardless of this year's outcome I am also considering doing a masters given my academic performance if that changes anything.
Thank you.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a structured approach to help you navigate your situation and improve your chances for London SA26 or other opportunities:
1. Reflect and Refine Your Interview Skills
2. Leverage Networking
3. Expand Your Search
4. Consider a Master’s Program
5. Stay Resilient and Strategic
6. Additional Resources
By combining these strategies, you’ll position yourself strongly for future opportunities. Keep pushing forward—many successful professionals have faced similar challenges early in their careers!
Sources: Feel like I'm going to be stuck in this job, what do I do?, Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, Advice From an Advisor to Senior Wall Streeters
Heya, I was in a similar situation not long ago and made a similar comment on another thread. I did not get an IB summer but did manage to get very lucky with FT recruiting and land a spot. I would not recommend that pathway, as it will be highly unlikely to yield many results.
You are clearly a good candidate, otherwise you would not be getting interviews at all these places, so you should be proud of that. I kept applying right until the very end and managed to secure myself a summer that was IB adjacent, which definitely helped out and provided a solid fallback option.
As it stands, your options are:
Hope this helps
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