Feeling a bit defeated

I just got two rejections from middle-market banks—one after a second-round interview and another after a superday. I'm feeling pretty down about it. I've wanted to get into investment banking since late high school and worked hard through my freshman and sophomore years at a non-target school. I managed to secure several interviews, mostly with middle-market firms, but I've been coming up short for months.

It's tough because I cared so much, and now it feels like I fell short when it mattered most. I've wanted this for a long time, and not getting an offer feels like a major setback. I know this isn't the end of my career, and even if I don't land a position right after school, I can still find my way into IB. However, I can't shake the feeling that I'm not quite measuring up and may never be enough for a field I've invested so much in mentally.

I recognize I've tied much of my self-worth to getting into IB, which isn't healthy, but I find it very hard not to feel this way. I also feel a sense of imposter syndrome at the PE shop where I'm interning (which doesn't offer return offers). I keep thinking there are better candidates out there and question how I even got the internship when I can't secure an IB role from a decent bank.

Overall, I'm confused about how to proceed from here and could use some advice or support from others who might understand what I'm going through. How have others navigated similar challenges? Any guidance or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

2 Comments
 

the non-target struggle is real. keep your head up it’s just a job and you’re smart and will land where you’re supposed to be. maybe think about law school or something finance -> mba -> banking. also even though ft recruiting is tough with a PE internship you might have a chance. don’t stop looking at all your options.

 

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