[Career Advice] Rising Senior NYU Stern - Confused on correct path in finance

Hi all, 

I’m seeking honest and realistic advice on how to best position myself for a full-time recruiting opportunity in a more rigorous and challenging role. I am a rising senior at NYU Stern, concentrating in Finance and Accounting, and holding a double major in Mathematics with a cumulative GPA of 3.5+. For networking purposes, I also attended an elite boarding school on the East Coast during my high school tenure. 

My freshman summer, I worked in an Asset Management fellowship at a prestigious firm, and my sophomore summer, I worked in corporate development at a Fortune 500. I’m currently working in corporate banking at a bulge-bracket firm in New York City, and I do not feel satisfied or, very candidly, challenged with my work. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and opportunities I have received thus far, but as someone who didn't come from a finance family nor seriously comprehended the recruiting schedule for more prestigious positions, I find myself confused and unsure of how to progress from my current position. I ideally want a job that challenges me mentally, while providing opportunities for progression and compensation later in my career. Willing to work hours, just need to be interested in the work I'm completing. 

I would love insight on realistic options for full-time recruiting from here (preferably in NYC, but open to elsewhere), given my background and timing. How to best position myself in terms of networking strategy, lateral recruiting, etc. Please only advice from people who’ve navigated a similar path, or those who have obtained the position I am seeking. Thank you! 

Not sure if this matters, but personality-wise I lean more normal college student than serious grinder. 

Appreciate the advice, and apologies on the quality of writing. This post was tougher to write than I imagined! 

9 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Corporate banking to IB FT switches for the large full-service banks/top boutiques are very likely not happening unless you have super senior MD referrals backing you up. 95% of all IB FT analyst laterals are people from 1 tier down of banks doing IB, similar tier of bank, or something at a respectable direct investing related on the buyside (PE, PC, AM, etc.). Given how bad the market is, I would predict that number to be 100% this summer, am not even confident that firms will give high returns this year.

Most logical pathway for you is IMO going to be trying to get back to your old corp dev place and then try to switch to IB. You should be competitive for an IB role in whatever sector your corp dev team is in as a lateral post starting FT if you are at a decently acquistive place. Another alternative is to take this role and try to do a transfer after 2 years, but the chances of this vary vastly based on the firm.

 

Primero que todo, gracias por compartirlo con tanta sinceridad. Estás claramente en una buena posición académica y profesional, pero es completamente válido querer más —más desafío, más aprendizaje, y más potencial a futuro.

Lo que describes (venir de fuera del mundo financiero, no conocer los procesos desde temprano) le pasa a mucha más gente de lo que crees, incluso en lugares como Stern. Lo importante ahora es que estás despierto, motivado y buscando cómo pivotar con intención. Eso vale mucho.

 

Yeah this is clearly a bot. I can read Spanish and the tone is so similar to ChatGPT. 

“This is clearly a great academic and professional position to be in, but it’s completely valid to want more”

Who the hell talks like that? Cmon. 

 

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