FDD Intern -> FT IB Analyst

I'm going to be interning in FDD at a RSM/BDO/GT this summer, and am looking to recruit for FT analyst positions this fall at MM/boutique IBs.

I'm currently preparing for technical/fit questions with the BIWS 400 and WSP Red Book. My questions are as follows:

1. Is it worth it to cast a very wide net for networking right now, even if I don't know which banks/cities will be hiring for FT analysts?

2. I go to a mid-tier California state school (UCSB, SDSU, UCI, SLO). would it make sense to target banks in LA/SF? Or should I aim to make contacts at MM banks all around the country?

Any advice regarding this move is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

4 Comments
 

I’m a bit younger than you and just got a SA 25’ at MM. I would do some research on this platform, because I think most will say it depends on the market and if banks are looking to hire. I think usually the good shops will hire FT kids who have done previous SA roles. But these are just my thoughts. 

 

Here’s my biggest advice. Luck plays such a huge piece in recruiting. I casted a wide net and kinda regret it because I networked 130 bankers (like I was obsessive) and only ended up with 1 offer. It’s tiring.
 

I would say pick 10 banks. Try to talk to 1 person at each bank, after chatting see which one will hand you off to another person. The people who don’t I would drop off. The people who do recommend you to chat with other people, go on LinkedIn and go network with other random people at that shop. People say it’s bad to over network with 1 company, but I think it shows you are a great fit for the company. And lastly, when you talk to everybody just sound so happy to be on the call, it takes you far. 
 

I got my offer because I was the only person at the superday to network with the team. 

 

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