Be honest: is non-target IB mostly luck?
I know the standard advice is to network harder, prep more, etc, but sometimes it feels like people from targets are playing a totally different game...
For non-target folks who actually got offers, what realistically mattered the most?
I think your story is the most important part, received FT offer from a MM and I think that’s what really set me apart at the end of the day. Networking is very important, but once youre on that call having your why IB and how you got where you are makes you memorable, at least in my case. Came from one of the most disadvantaged background you can imagine for IB recruiting and was able to convey how my growth and grit to get myself in the interview wouldn’t stop after college but translate to the desk.
Still a student so feel free to disagree.
Firstly, the definition of what is a "non-target" as far as schools go on this site is far too loose in my honest opinion. For example, Ohio State and Lafayette, two colleges that most on this site would classify as non-targets. If we go by the broad definition of what a non-target is, there's no reasonable difference between attending the first two schools versus attending, let's say, Moravian University or Southeastern Oklahoma State University(Shoutout Dennis Rodman).
Obviously, Ohio State and Lafayette are like Wharton and Stern compared to the latter two. So bottom line, there's a wide spectrum of non-target schools. Hopefully you're on the higher end of said spectrum.
Now to answer your question: Luck does play a part, but it's not and most likely will never be the defining factor. Grit and grinding it out will always mean more, whether that's truly being interested in IB and understanding how things work, talking to bankers, and being memorable in both how you carry yourself and your knowledge of the industry, as well as showing your dedication to improving your skills via clubs in school or projects.
TLDR: Luck definitely plays a part, but it will never fully overtake actual knowledge and dedication to learning and improving where you can. Even kids at Harvard still have to know what a bond is, probably. I don't go to Harvard.
I went to a non-target / regional target (people on here say it’s not) and I ended up at a MM bank, in a solid group where I’m getting great experience.
I networked with no one, my resume was just solid and in the interview I was able to speak to everything, I had a great story of why IB, why “insert group”, and why I was looking to move across the country.
Luck is 100% involved, eventually it turns in your favor and eventually it doesn’t
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