Entry into IB, no experience 3-5yrs post grad

Hey,

I was wondering if it's possible for my sister to get into any IB or related role, considering she has a 2-year gap in her undergraduate education, and graduated 3 years ago (a few years late due to the gap), and doesn't have any experience in the field. I know this might sound preposterous, but I was wondering what the best possible route would be for her, or if it's simply impossible. I'm just wondering because I know banks have IB programs for people reentering the field after being unemployed (JPM ReEntry).

Any advice would be great!

8 Comments
 

no experience 3-5 years post grad as in didnt work for 3 years or worked but non-finance jobs??

honestly i think her best shot might be getting an MBA then maybe shoot her shot. I dont see how any bank (maybe LMM) that would hire someone that doesnt have any finance experience (assuming non-business/econ degree and internship) as AN1 vs some target college kid with 3 internships

 

The former, and I agree. I was wondering if a MBA for her would even be feasible (as in recruit and place well after MBA given her lack of work experience / finance experience). I guess it will?

 

well i in that case i dont even think any MBA would accept her. I think most MBAs require at least a couple years of work experience. Try to get some finance related job at least and go step by step thats my best recommendation but honestly i don't understadn why would someone that hasnt worked for years suddenly decide to do such a time/ energy demanding job which also happens to be really hard to get in

 

I got rejected from several of those re-entry type jobs in the past and I had relevant experience in HF before a major illness. 

I would caution giving her false hope about similar programs unless you have a specific reason you think she is a good fit. I did notice these programs trend towards hiring women but is that the only angle for her?

 
Most Helpful

Re-entry programs are aimed at people with a prior career wanting to return (mostly comprised of people who were stay-at-home parents for a few years) not for someone who is 27 with 0 work experience. JPM explicitly says that program is for people who were ASO/VP level before they left the workforce.

IB doesn't seem like a good fit or realistic option for someone who has never worked. It's extremely long hours (100+ hours a week sometimes) and it seems like you're just picking a random, prestigious, high-paying option out of a hat instead of being realistic about what they can actually get. IB recruits the brightest and hardest-working - someone who takes 6 years to finish school and then does not ever work just does not give off that impression, even if they are.

Her best options to enter the workforce right now are going to be in something very entry-level and low-key - think FP&A at a local small business, administrative work for a year or two to get something on the resume...

 

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