For the Distressed Non-Target Monkeys

I've been skulking around WSO for a while but I haven't posted anything. I've seen some distressed non-target students out there so I thought I'd share some words of encouragement. I'm finishing up my second year at a small, private non-target in the Virginia/DC area. For those of you who didn't have it together in high school (for whatever reason) and ended up at a non-target only to realize you wanted to get into investment banking or the like, don't get too discouraged. WSO is great, and part of what makes it great is the candid advice from monkeys in the industry.

Yes, going to a target school is best if you want to get into finance. Investment banks are very risk-averse (at least when it comes to recruiting) so as a non-target student, you're going to have to work that much harder to prove yourself. Before I started back to school I was in the Marine Corps (possibly the least academic venture I could have pursued). I was meritoriously promoted to every rank I achieved, not because I kissed ass but because I worked smarter and harder than any of my peers. So, not only do I have the privilege of going to a non-target, I’m also a non-traditional student. Even I get discouraged at times, but I’m certainly not going to give up pursuing my career goal.

You’re going to get discouraged at times but don’t let that sway your decision to pursue investment banking as a career. Work smart, work hard, and NETWORK your asses off! I’ve already networked with two associates at middle-market IB’s in NY for possible summer internships (as long as my GPA and extracurriculars are solid). Don’t be afraid to ask people about their experience, or for their advice.… which is a great segue into my next point; take the advice you get (from WSO users and your peers) with a grain of salt. There are plenty of monkeys on here who have been on the straight and narrow and have been very successful. Many of them have good advice, but just as often as not, you’re going to here some pretentious statement about how non-targets are doomed no matter what. You’re going to hear monkeys say there’s no other way but their way. That’s shit though. Don’t let anyone define your career path for you.

Finally, you don’t have to work at Goldman Sachs to have an enjoyable and successful career in investment banking. There are so many options out there, and no one bank is suitable for every kind of person.

So, when you’re done with classes today; go home, eat dinner, and get back to work! Keep pushing and don't get so distressed.