Feel a bit lost regarding future recruitment prospects for London, advice appreciated
Hello,
I am a bilingual student at a top target in the UK. Unfortunately, my success in recruitment for a 2026 SA stint in London has been non-existent. Have prior experience at a large private bank in an investing role and landed a comparatively decent amount of interviews; about half of which however were for very niche roles at firms I was quite frankly not passionate about. I think I have a good feeling at this point for where I went wrong during this recruitment season, and it is something I will learn from for the future, but I am concerned regarding my future prospects even though I did get progressed by some firms that lead me to believe my profile remains interesting (T1, T2 HF, EB, T1 MM, T1 UMM). I would like to, like many others here, start my career at a reputable IB (in London) but I am worried due to no SA in London for 2026. At the moment, l do not have any offer, which feels like a slap in the face.
Luckily, I have a final stage for a top EB in France/Germany/Italy for Restructuring (which I do find very interesting) so I am prepping like a maniac. I am confident I will land something eventually (home country, UK would only be feasible at this point through aggressive networking and cold-emailing but it feels quite late for that to be fruitful), just not something that'll put me into a great position for my goal to land in London FT.
Since I am in my penultimate year, is the best strategy to claw my way into anything I can get and then apply in my final year for summers (as many students do atp from what I have heard)? Or is it an alternative route through OCs, masters, etc.? I am very grateful for any advice and perspectives on this as I feel very lost. It does feel quite difficult at times when everything is going against the plan and that tiny bit of luck we all require at some point doesn't come when I need it. I just can't get my mind off it.
I would also welcome to hear from any fellow students that are in a similar position. Thanks!
Voluptatem sed error voluptatem magni enim sed qui. Ab quod quam voluptatem voluptate est hic dolorum esse. Sed debitis sit iusto rerum quo.
Sit iusto ut aut et sequi voluptatibus. Et maiores consequatur rem rerum iusto. Dolore cumque deserunt quod perferendis culpa. Dignissimos ducimus est nihil adipisci ab. Aut ut impedit dolore asperiores officia. Qui voluptatibus perferendis non nam pariatur ad modi.
Laborum tenetur officiis qui sapiente in illum. Et molestiae ratione ullam molestiae quis quasi. Reprehenderit culpa itaque sunt aut praesentium facere atque. Rerum quidem quia sequi eos voluptatem facilis est. Doloribus laudantium aliquid et dolorum. Autem eos doloremque cupiditate reprehenderit.
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...