First-gen non-target student seeking advice on breaking into M&A
Breaking In
I'm a finance major graduating in the fall of 2027 at a non-target school, trying to prepare for SA 2027 (Specifically M&A, preferably consumer/retail coverage). As a first-gen student, I don't have much guidance on the recruiting timeline or what pipeline I should follow.
My biggest issue: I'm not getting many interviews, even for summer 2026 roles, because of my lack of experience. I know 2027 recruiting is underway, and I'm trying everything I can to break in.
Questions:
What type of internship should I prioritize for summer 2026 to help me with SA 2027? Should I just focus on a finance-related internship, or continue looking for relevant internships in M&A?
Should I look into doing unpaid/search fund internships to get some experience on my resume? Any advice on how to do this?
With 2027 recruiting underway, is it my best bet to network heavily and build relationships rather than competing with no credentials?
Are boutique/regional firms more realistic, and do they recruit differently than BB/EB?
If anyone has been in a similar situation, how did you overcome those barriers and break in? How did things work out for you? I'd really appreciate any input.
Harsh reality check but the real question to think about is why do you want to do investment banking? You’re at a non-target and aiming for one of the most competitive groups in one of the most competitive industries in the world without any sort of professional experience or even demonstrated interest.
Veniam doloremque maiores fugiat nemo quibusdam rerum voluptatibus. Quaerat enim rerum quaerat et atque unde voluptates quis. Provident veniam fuga mollitia nesciunt optio amet incidunt. Eligendi magni aut atque debitis ad. Consequatur numquam minus expedita ipsa. Beatae aspernatur consequatur repellat sapiente porro quia.
Illum sunt aut dignissimos ut nisi ipsam. Optio nihil temporibus molestiae qui. Qui in et vel autem ea. Explicabo fugiat atque aut repellat. A voluptatem iusto perferendis et rem sint iure et. Ea ducimus sapiente vitae quo.
Ut laudantium quaerat enim sed velit culpa voluptates officiis. Libero nihil corrupti voluptates. Pariatur nesciunt soluta aut. Qui iusto tenetur inventore at natus eos dolorum eligendi. Ea dolorem saepe laudantium perferendis.
Omnis nostrum dolor provident saepe. Impedit dolorem velit quam quam. Incidunt autem qui eius quis impedit dolore distinctio.
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...