From Non-Target MBA to IB Summer Associate Intern

Just wanted to share my story from going to a Non-Target MBA (Rank 40ish) to getting an IB Summer Internship at a respectable IB firm. (Pays street and has a strong LevFin and huge Balance Sheet). Most of the WSO covered Non-Target at the UNDERGRAD LEVEL but never at the GRADUATE (MBA) level, so here's my post.

Coming from a non-target school, the journey was quite difficult and I had to network constantly. I started networking in May, reaching out to alumni, and joining the bank's event webinars to get connected with people in the firm. Afterward, I would reach out to them and request a quick zoom or phone call. So by the time I applied online in late September I had a few employee referrals under my belt. I made sure to have my technicals on point (using the 400 IB question guide), and I have friends in other MBA schools (Top 20) so I was able to network with them as well.

I got a phone call for round one in early November; it was pretty basic (mix of easy technical questions and behavioral) and nailed it out of the park. A week later I got a superday invite in mid-December. I made sure to have my TMAY, Why IB and Why "Bank X" polished. I had 2 back to back interviews but it was conversational with some technicals. I had a feeling that I nailed it, but the other people who were also interviewing go to NYU Stern, Booth, Tepper, Hass, etc so I felt intimated that they go to better schools and that they'll get picked over me. Fortunately, I got a phone call two hours offering me a position at this bank and I accepted it in a heartbeat. I'm so thrilled and excited to break into IB as it's been a dream of mine since my MBA journey.

If anyone wants to ask me questions, please feel free to do so!