Here is a living example of someone who got all the superday ibd interviews but could never seal the deal and get get an offer. All you wannabe bankers, have some other interest in case you do everything that you thought you could do and still fall short like myself. There goes my IBD hopes
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If you're talking about BB super days, then you are probably well qualified and could easily get into a boutique. After 1 year at a boutique, you lateral into a bulge-bracket firm. Done.
First, just because you didn't get a BB offer does't mean you are at all a "failed banker".
Second, if you genuinely want to work in investment banking or in a related capacity... open yourself up to not just MM or boutique shops... consider valuation or transaction advisory work at a Big 4 or independent firms like HLHZ or Duff & Phelps. Don't worry about the "prestige" factor. What you're looking to build is a long-term career not an "exit opportunity".
Finally, don't try to compete with the Jones'... eternally comparing yourself to others who "break in" is just going to make you frustrated. There are lots of investment banking related work out there that provide genuinely good experience. IB is not the end all, be all.
It has been a pretty rough recruiting cycle all over, so don't get yourself down. There were alot of people who did not even get a first round or an invite to the final rounds.
keep in touch with all the people you met at the BB's (or those you feel comfortable keeping in touch with). if you at least break into the i-banking industry at some shop, the only way after that is up.
the fact that you made it to superdays means you're a good candidate...get a job at a MM/boutique and you will still make good money and eventually break into the level where you want to be
Do you think it has to do with your paltry number of banana points? I mean, 263, well that isnt cutting it is it now??????????
Goldson - what is your past experience? education etc? maybe a little more info might help advice etc.
Hey man, don't feel bad. If you think it's worth it, stay another quarter/semester, and you can recruit again during the winter quarter for a summer internship. That way, when FT recruiting rolls around next fall, you will have an even stronger resume and by then you're sure to have your interviewing skills increase tenfold. Rejection happens to the best of us, it's just the way that we handle that rejection that brings out the best in us. Good luck, bro.
The thing that makes a banker is not just intellegence, its also perseverance. If you give up that easily, maybe you ARE a failed banker. But if you persevere, working from the bottom up or across the board, you can bcome a banker. Just keep with it.
The thing that makes a banker is not just intelligence, its also perseverance. If you give up that easily, maybe you ARE a failed banker. But if you persevere, working from the bottom up or across the board, you can bcome a banker. Just keep with it.
Well said MMBinNC.
Goldson, from following your posts over the course of last few months, I'd think you gave it all you had. Whether it was knowing what to do, say or meeting the right people and getting to the right point. Being through a similar process, I can give you two main reasons: 1. Hiring numbers are low. When there are 20 people competing for 1 spot, its just ridiculous probability wise. 2. Being non target didn't help. I talked with an alumni once who got rejected by 3 BBs in one week, and when he asked why, someone told him they'd feel much safer with a kid from a target than someone from non-target. He somehow managed to convince someone in the 4th bank and made it, and it was during a good year. This year, as you probably found out, without any connections, non targets could not crack HR wall. Many banks supposedly didn't even bother interviewing non targets. And even if someone pushed you and you worked hard to make it to final round, the kid from Princeton just had too much support. Also, supposedly in IB, they're looking for pedigree more than S&T (which is what I was going for). Might have hurt you in that area too. End of the day you just might not have been good enough when you have a 5% chance in the final round.
But is it the end of the world? Probably not. I'd think you've a good resume and GPA to make it to a decent consulting gig or something in Finance area that can get you in a good MBA program. You probably also developed enough good contacts who can help you make a lateral move in a year or two when conditions improve. If I were you, I'd go talk with people, and ask them what they suggest you to do, etc. Giving up would be too easy.
Look at MM's and think about taking related positions and lateraling to IB later on. Maybe work for a few years then MBA then assoc.
Hey, don't beat yourself up. I would strongly recommend that you look into other MM banks and then lateral up after a year. Certainly has been done.
Getting rejected (by jobs, women, etc) is just a part of life that everyone goes through at some point. Learn from it and it will make you stronger.
Keep at it, stay confident, work hard and you'll get to where you want to be.
All people should get fired, rejected, and promoted at some point in their life. It builds character and teaches you how to handle yourself for any outcome.
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