How fucked am I? Second semester senior with no FT job lined up

Second semester senior at a non-target with no ft job lined up. I had an IB SA spot this summer at a top MM not in NYC, but unfortunately didn’t get a return offer. I’ve had 2 IB internships, 2 PE internships, current president of school’s IB club, and a 3.9 GPA in finance and accounting. I don’t get it, it’s been impossible to find a job.

I know I’m running out of options and I feel stuck. Do I just keep looking or do I try an alternative path? I feel like I can’t a hold of anybody now. I’m thinking of joining the military as an officer or taking a year off to study for the LSAT and go to law school. I’m so lost in life now.

7 Comments
 

How does placing for IB work for those programs since they are only 1 year? Do I need to go crazy networking over the summer and gun for FT spots in the fall? I saw Vandy has their last round of apps due in March/April so I'll put one in. 

 

Yeah just gotta network like crazy. Would try and lock down a LMM internship (start recruiting now) for this summer. That gives you a chance at FT there and then u can leverage new vandy (or whatever MSF) network with ur existing for FT recruitment too

 
Most Helpful

Was in your position last year until I got a job, albeit I wasn’t gunning for IB. Time to go the mercenary route. Your GPA is great so no need to worry about school anymore. Book a ticket to Miami and go to JPM’s levfin conference from March 2-5. You won’t be able to actually get a ticket, but just go and introduce yourself to people outside the convention and try to make something happen. Try to finagle your way inside. Trip should cost like $1k max no matter where you’re flying from.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Keep Looking and Networking Aggressively:

    • You're not out of options yet. Many firms hire off-cycle, and networking can open doors that traditional applications cannot. Reach out to alumni, former colleagues, and anyone in your network who might be able to help. Informational interviews can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities.
    • Consider smaller firms, boutique IBs, or even corporate finance roles to get your foot in the door. These can serve as stepping stones to pivot back into IB later.
  2. Alternative Paths:

    • Military as an Officer: This is a viable option if you feel a strong urge to serve. Programs like ROTC or Officer Candidate School (OCS) can set you up for leadership roles and provide benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can fund an MBA at a top school later. Military service also builds a strong network and unique experiences that are highly valued in business and finance.
    • Law School: If you're genuinely interested in law and have the time and resources to prepare for the LSAT, this could be a good path. However, only pursue this if you're certain about a legal career or see it as a way to pivot into corporate law or policy roles.
  3. Gap Year Strategy:

    • If you decide to take a year off, use it wisely. Consider unpaid internships, shadowing roles, or even certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1) to strengthen your resume. This will show future employers that you remained proactive and committed to your career goals.
  4. Mental Health and Perspective:

    • It's normal to feel lost, but remember that many successful professionals faced setbacks early in their careers. Stay focused, keep pushing, and don't let temporary challenges define your long-term trajectory.

If you're leaning toward the military or law school, make sure to research thoroughly and talk to people in those fields to ensure it's the right fit for you. Keep grinding—you've got a strong foundation, and with persistence, you'll find your way.

Sources: Marine Officer/Aviator Ask Me Anything, Banking to Military, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/timing-mba-with-military-service?customgpt=1, Lesser known MBA career options? Looking for advice on what to do post-HBS.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Don't feel too down, this is the experience of a lot of upcoming graduates the past few years. Just a really bad time for entry-level jobs. Keep hitting the phones and sending emails.

 

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