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.
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