FT recruiting depression
Hey guys literally don’t know how long I can last out here. Basically didn’t get a return despite working really hard - had indications I was doing well so didn’t chat with any other banks during the summer. I’ve been grinding since I found out and I’m two processes for ft recruiting but have such a negative mindset. I feel doomed too cause I’m in Canada and there are so few banking seats and a lot of ft recruiting is under the table and already over. Genuinely am really struggling and am concerned there will be no spots left soon and I’ll have to do smth completely different with my life when I planned for the last year and a half I would do IB. Idk if anyone who was in my shoes last year has any advice but am feeling really down and hopeless.
It’s tough out there, no doubt about it, but based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
Take a Breather and Reset: It’s easy to spiral when things don’t go as planned, but taking a weekend off to clear your mind can help you regain focus. A negative mindset can hurt your performance in interviews, so prioritize mental clarity.
Expand Your Search: If you’re in Canada and feel limited by the number of seats, consider broadening your search to include U.S. boutiques, regional banks, or even other financial hubs. Networking is key here—reach out to alumni or professionals who might have insight into hidden opportunities.
Boutiques and Lateral Opportunities: Many WSO threads emphasize that starting at a boutique can be a great stepping stone. Even if it’s not a BB or MM, you can gain experience and lateral into a larger firm later. Keep reaching out to smaller firms that might still be hiring.
Focus on What You Can Control: While luck plays a role, preparation is something you can own. Review your interview performance—are there technical or behavioral areas you can improve? Use resources like WSO guides, mock interviews, and resume reviews to sharpen your edge.
Alternative Paths: If IB doesn’t work out immediately, consider roles in corporate finance, consulting, or Big 4 advisory. These can still build the skills and resume you need to pivot into IB later, especially through an MBA.
Keep Networking: Even if FT recruiting feels “under the table,” networking can uncover opportunities. Reach out to alumni, attend events, and don’t hesitate to cold email professionals. Persistence often pays off.
Perspective: Many WSO users have shared that the grind of recruiting is a test of resilience. The skills and mental toughness you’re building now will serve you well in IB or any other high-pressure career.
Remember, the IB dream isn’t over unless you decide it is. Keep pushing, stay adaptable, and don’t hesitate to lean on resources like WSO for guidance. You’ve got this!
Sources: Would appreciate some advice, I'm so lost, Disappointed and heartbroken, Advice for SAs who didn't get return offers, Investment Banking Recruiting and Feeling Hopeless
A lot of people go through this - it is brutal but you're going to make it to the end either way. Give it everything you got and don't think about failure right now.
Plenty of SAs and even associates don’t get returns (often for politics or headcount reasons) and they still land on their feet. You’ve already built skills and a work ethic most professions won’t teach so there are many doors open to you either way.
Go all-in on this last phase. If it clicks, great. If not, you’ll reassess and still be fine.
Chiming in with the above - got slapped with the stupidest bs reason for not getting converted - feedback given was entirely a "me problem" despite working my ass off and not having any points to be said on technical skills aside good work (and I could tell from the general positive feedback across the firm).
Took it really hard and was in a rough spot for a week as I thought it was a very personal thing (I just didn't fit it or communicate well etc., and while a lot of the feedback was fluffy, I thought some points made sense and I can indeed work on it). Until I had separate check ins with the junior in a less professional capacity, and it turns out the decision was made by the firm seniors, and they just had to justify the lack of conversion with some reason.
Greater problem was just the firm not doing well and there's no headcount and the full-timers having a lot of capacity. Sure it was fucking rough especially given how I grinded since Freshman year for it, but it gave me some form of closure.
Just keep your head up, roll with the punches and continue putting your best foot forward. Sometimes, shit happens - just take away whatever key learning points you can and continue working at it. We got this!
How did you end up
Can I pm
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