Cooked for SA26, help me out
It's mid March and I'm still offer-less. No one is replying to networking emails and I'm barely getting interviews.
At this point, I am at desperation level 1,000. Is it crazy to ask the already-established bankers of the WSO community to help me out however they can? Connections, advice, etc?? Thoughts?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, you're not alone in feeling this way, and there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation:
Leverage the WSO Community: Many users on WSO have shared success stories of breaking into finance through networking within the community. For example, one thread suggests joining the WSO LinkedIn group, where members are often willing to connect and help each other out. This could be a great way to find people who are more open to assisting.
Refine Your Networking Approach: If your emails aren't getting responses, consider revisiting your strategy. The WSO Networking Guide is highly recommended for crafting effective cold emails. Focus on being genuine, showing curiosity about their experiences, and not immediately asking for favors. Building rapport first is key.
Maintain Relationships: If you've already connected with professionals in the past, update them on your progress. Share any small wins or ask for advice on specific challenges. For example, if you have an upcoming interview, ask for a mock interview or insights about the firm.
Expand Your Reach: If you're not getting traction with your current network, try reaching out to alumni from your school, even if they're in different industries. They might have connections in finance or be able to offer advice.
Engage in Forums and Discussions: Start or participate in discussions on WSO. Sharing your story and asking for advice can attract the attention of experienced professionals who might be willing to help.
Stay Persistent and Organized: Keep track of who you've reached out to and follow up if you haven't heard back. Timing and persistence can make a difference.
Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just asking for favors. Approach it with a mindset of learning and connecting, and you'll increase your chances of success. Good luck!
Sources: The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, How To Really Network And Land That Offer, How To Really Network And Land That Offer, The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, Laid off, Depressed and Giving up...
networking is lowkey useless atp, just try and lock in for interviews if u can get them
Comment above me is brain dead
The only people I know who got offers late in the game were still networking throughout the year and made solid connections that pulled through when their teams had open spots
If you just have radio silence get on the phone and start dialing
What are some banks I should be focusing on at this stage in the recruiting process?
ones where offers are likely to be reneged
so like are all the buldges done???
yes pretty much seen offers out for even barclays/citi/ubs/db
the better ones been done
db does open in the fall tho
if no interview invite to the bulges rn, pretty much no chance in securing one atp
Definitely not cooked, there are hundreds of sub-50 headcount boutiques that have interesting dealflow and accomplished bankers. In my process talked to lots of people who did their SA at similar institutions and were able to lateral senior year.
Don’t give up, make a new list of groups that interest you and send literally 10 emails a day. Good luck!
I'm a sophomore recruiting for SA 2026 - where could I find these small boutiques? Any advice on how to target them?
google search “investment banking firm in xyz city”
linkedin search and filter “investment bank” in “xyz city”
i think you need premium for that tho, but it definitely helps
numerous regional offices (less 40 headcount) take interns throughout may to fall
also i used pulse the newsletter for a full list of the ib firms and pe firms that have formal recruitment cycles ($50 not an ad used it for all the lmm and mm pe firms back in jan)
or there’s a north america trackr finance on google that has tons and of firms, free
or adventis, i think that’s what it’s called also tracks banks with applications (don’t think that have the smaller banks, don’t use it as often)
or linkedin stalk the target kids and where they did sophomore summers (stalk uchicago kids if in chicago, stalk stanford kids if west coast, something like that)
Dolorem molestiae nemo corporis libero nemo est. Libero aliquid consequatur laboriosam vel aliquam et. Fugiat voluptas voluptas in expedita voluptatem. Voluptas sit vel provident est alias. Ducimus neque esse temporibus similique illo ullam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...