“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
Yes, any personal connection will help a lot as these people are more inclined to pull for you. However, you still need to impress them and show genuine interest.
It is definitely nice that you are motivated and have an idea of what you want to do post-grad already, but I encourage you to keep an open mind going into school and are not hard-set on one career over the other. I came from a NT state school and was very late to IB recruiting and still managed to weasel my way in so you are way ahead of the game (having connections is also big). Anyone who looks down on you for utilizing your connections/resources is just jealous/envious of you. Use anything you can to do get to where you want, especially because you are fighting uphill from a NT. Good luck and enjoy school!
It's great that you are thinking ahead and considering ways to position yourself for a successful career in investment banking. As you noted, breaking into IB from a non-target school can be challenging, but leveraging your father's connections could be a helpful step in the right direction.
Networking is critical in the finance industry, and having a connection with someone in the industry can open doors for you. If your father is willing to introduce you to investment bankers in the Houston area, you should definitely take advantage of the opportunity. Use this as a chance to learn more about the industry and what it takes to succeed. Ask thoughtful questions and express your interest in investment banking.
However, it's important to note that while connections can be helpful, they are not a guarantee of success. You still need to put in the hard work to develop the skills and knowledge required for a career in investment banking. Make sure you are taking challenging courses, building relevant experience through internships and extracurricular activities, and developing strong analytical and communication skills.
When it comes time to apply for internships or full-time positions, be sure to leverage your connections in a strategic way. Reach out to your father's contacts to inquire about potential opportunities, but also make sure you are applying to a broad range of firms and networking with professionals across the industry. The more people you can connect with and impress, the better your chances of landing a coveted IB position.
In short, while your father's connections can be a helpful resource, they are not a substitute for hard work and determination. Make the most of your opportunity to network with investment bankers, but also make sure you are taking steps to develop your skills and knowledge in the finance industry.
I think others have already said it, but connections and networking are everything. We're both in a similar position. I'm also in my last year of high school and most likely will go to a semi-target or non-target school. It would be nice if we can keep in touch and help each other out, I'm interested in how things develop with you. Feel free to contact me,
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