BB exits for non-targets

Hi all,


I am coming from a complete non-target school, and will be starting as an analyst at a Mid-Tier BB (BofA, Barclays, Citi) in the coming months. 
 

I am interested in the buy-side, specifically hedge funds (L/S) and would love to even get a chance to interview with them, yet alone work at such a job. 
 

However, I see a lot of people saying you cannot enter these roles, that is top funds unless you are from GS with Harvard UG and a 1600 SAT — an over-exaggeration but you get the point.


For some context, I moved to the US when I was 19, did community college and never took the SAT, transferred to a state school in my junior year. 
 

Looking at that background alone, I assume some people might look at me and think I am not as polished or capable as the Harvard kid, and I understand that to be quite fair. 
I always hoped when I was recruiting for FT BB that they would see how much I overcame to even get an interview, which thankfully they did. However, I feel this might not be the same case for prestigious buy-side roles. 
 

Now apologies for the long story, I just wanted to give more details, but do I have a chance at these roles? Or will I not even get past a headhunter considering my non-prestigious background (at least for the top funds). 
 

Thank you in advance to everyone who took the time to reply. 

 
Most Helpful

It's definitely doable, don't write yourself off before you even started the journey. If anything you cleared the biggest hurdle of landing a good IBD role. As time passes, anything but your professional resume will matter less (excluding network ofc).

Shops look at your acumen and relevant experience more than uni brand. Hunger, maturity and above peers commercial understanding of what's going on beyond PPT slides is what sets you apart for the next gig.

When we recruit at our shop, we look at uni when relevant experience is less standout (non brand, slim exposure, irrelevant team) but don't care about uni if last work experience is relevant and at a reputable firm.

Do good work, learn as much as possible, network and try to be somewhat lucky with live deal staffings and you'll be fine.

 

Hey! Not op but have a very similar/same background as OP and will be at at top BB at a mid tier coverage group. My goal is MF/UMM PE. As I will start in June - I have 6 months to spare. People have told me to take my gmat to offset my background/make myself competitive during recruiting, some have told me to soory just do case studies and focus on LBO and learn about the pe space. Just wondering “ what is the right move” thanks!

 

Not a big deal. You may need to work harder though so do well in your role, get onto some transactions that you can speak to in your interviews, pick up the hedge fund guide and learn the mechanics of investing. Try to network more and be able to convey your interest in the group and their investment strategy etc

 

Congrats on the BB role. I think it becomes more about your experiences and what you contributed at your bb role. Did people speak highly of your work etc, are you a good person? not what is SAT tell me now or else

 

I went to a super non target SEC school and ended up at a great UMM PE firm. It is certainly doable. I think even more so on the L/S side of things as public markets folks tend to care much more about intellectual horsepower and good ideas as compared to prestige on the resume. Keep grinding and prepping to know LBOs cold, have a few companies you can talk about/pitch, and reiterate the passion and hardwork it took to get to your BB and how you will carry that forward on the buyside.

 

Believe in yourself and don’t compare yourself to others coming from target schools - be focused on your own success. You have what it takes and there are plenty of others coming from non target schools who get to buyside.  

 

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