FT 2025 IB prospects… wyd?

Just curious to hear what others who didn’t receive return offers from their SA banks and are trying to break into IB full-time are planning to do.

Are you considering MSF programs, delaying graduation, or continuing to network throughout the spring? Are you reaching out to boutiques or exploring other options? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Would also love to hear any advice or insight from those who went through the FT process this late in the past or might have information on whether banks/groups will continue hiring in the spring. Thanks, and happy holidays!

28 Comments
 

This was me. Just got FT offer two weeks ago. Don’t stop grinding networking and applying. It’s a numbers game.

 

I think at this point it's pretty clear that banks will add more FT openings, not just lateral. They need the bodies, especially considering the coming exodus of analysts / associates exiting after bonus payout

 
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Was in the same boat, landed an offer at a BB. It was really grueling tbh, had a bunch of superdays and I think it was really hard for most firms to get over the no return—understandably so I guess. My advice would be to keep going, I keep seeing new postings on Handshake / LinkedIn constantly by banks (although primarily MM, which is still great). I'm sure more spots will also open up in January since most firms are anticipating higher deal activity. Keep your head up, this process sucks but you can make it out the other side. 

 

Can reply here if helpful. I think there were two main things that helped me navigate the no return: (1) having an air-tight story explaining why you didn't get one. this has to be crafted pretty well -- you should be explaining the factors that led to the outcome (obviously with a little "massaging" to not make it sound like you're daft) while also taking accountability and showing that you've reflected / learned from your experience. also, if you can, offer them the chance to speak to a couple references at the firm if you have anyone who can speak to your work product / attitude. (2) obviously much harder, but i think banks are more likely to give you an offer and overlook the no return if you have another firm de-risk you first, i.e. get another offer. in my experience, even though banks were super picky, i was able to get a couple strategy / FoF roles and that helped me leverage these positions for a FT IB offer. 

 

Could you share your experience going through full time recruiting? I'm in the same boat next summer and I was wondering how you approached it (when to start networking, prepping, etc). Thanks!

 

Both of which primarily impacts laterals no? Even in 2021 FT when there was a second wave of recruiting after rate cuts none of the EBs or GS/MS actually recruited afaik. It was just mid-tier BBs and MMs

 

I'm talking about associates. There are so many laterals you can take. Also, I feel banks would rather take the risk with fresh graduates (MBAs) vs ASO 2/3 that are more expensive and that will gun for a VP role.

At the end of the day, they will need more bodies that will do the work as opposed to experienced ASO / VPs that will run the deals. They have enough of those

 

Do you think these jobs would be filled through internal referrals or would postings likely be sent out?

 

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