Apps Reopening/Pushing Back Grad?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach your situation and maximize your chances:
Monitor Reopened Applications: Keep a close eye on banks that historically reopen applications later in the summer, like Citi and Deutsche Bank. Additionally, continue tracking regional boutiques and firms like Citizens, Ziegler, and Stephens. Being proactive and applying as soon as these opportunities arise is key.
Leverage Networking: Your strategy of connecting with soon-to-be second-year analysts is spot on. Focus on building genuine relationships, not just transactional ones. Stay in touch with bankers you’ve already spoken to by providing updates on your progress (e.g., new internships, skills learned). This keeps you on their radar for potential referrals.
Consider Pushing Back Graduation: Extending your graduation timeline could be a smart move, especially if it allows you to do another Co-Op, gain more relevant experience, and strengthen your involvement in clubs with strong IB alumni networks. This extra time can also help you refine your technical skills and expand your network.
Maximize Your Current Internships: Use your upcoming LMM boutique IB internship and private banking Co-Op to build a strong story for your resume. Highlight any deal experience, technical skills, or client-facing responsibilities. These experiences can make you more competitive in the next recruiting cycle.
Stay Prepared: Your plan to review behavioral and technical questions is excellent. Consider using resources like the WSO Behavioral + Technical Guide, Vault, and Rosenbaum’s book to deepen your knowledge. Practice mock interviews with peers or mentors to refine your delivery.
Expand Your Search: While targeting IB is your primary goal, don’t overlook adjacent fields like valuation, asset management, or consulting. These roles can provide valuable experience and serve as a stepping stone to IB later.
Be Persistent with Regional Boutiques: Regional boutiques often have less structured recruiting timelines, so continue reaching out and expressing interest. Tailor your outreach to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for their firm.
Track Your Progress: Keep a detailed log of your networking efforts, applications, and follow-ups. This will help you stay organized and ensure no opportunities slip through the cracks.
By staying proactive, leveraging your internships, and maintaining strong relationships, you’ll position yourself well for future opportunities. Keep grinding—success in IB recruiting often comes down to persistence and preparation!
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Why did you not get an offer? Did you get no first rounds or just missed out on a few superdays?
Pushing back grad makes sense for people who were too late and missed out on the process... but if you've already done all the prior internships/networking etc, you can't change much and there's a real risk you end up in the exact same place and are just wasting a year. I really doubt one or two clubs will make a difference here.
I would start pivoting to what your other options are - probably things in finance that aren't IB. Corporate or commercial banking, maybe equity research, etc. Of course keep an eye out for one-off apps but I wouldn't spend too much time networking with banks that are mostly done. The one-off spots are really only if a group decides they need more headcount, which isn't super likely in this very uncertain market. Easier for them to add a lateral analyst if they need more heads versus another intern who won't really contribute for a long while.
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