Is it possible to can into an IB sa gig without prior experience in finance? I’m talking even a super small boutique. I’ve gotten pretty close to one and wondering what my chances are to get in without a spring internship.
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I made it to the Superday of an elite boutique with no finance internships and being at a non-target - didn’t get an offer sadly but I’m positive it had to do with something else. So theoretically possible if you don’t blow the Super lol
How did you answer questions on not having a finance internship!? I need to know ASAP.
And or justify not having them...how did you tie in your non finance background to banking?? Help please.
What I did was talk more about the skills and attributes I have/have gained that fit the ones required in investment banking. In addition, I focused a lot on explaining how my combo of other experiences/jobs and coursework led me to my interest in IB – compounded, rather than an interest that sparked at a specific point in time/from a specific experience.
Although, I think I ran into an opposite problem – an interviewer complained I was too "well-rounded" compared to the hardcore finance kids and asked how I'd fit in with them, so maybe keep that question in mind if your experiences & interests are varied.
Just re-read my post, rip grammar.
Recruited FT w/o finance experience. Landed offers at BB and EB. Be able to tell your story (hopefully you've done other cool stuff), have a good reason for wanting to do banking, and network. Prove that you are a quick learner and that you will be a great team member. If they want to work with you and can be confident you'll be able to crush the work, then they will overlook the lack of direct experience
I'm assuming most of this stuff is covered in "your story" right?
Yeah, and in response to direct behaviorals about past experience, "why banking," etc. Also, ace the technicals. Impressive to know all the technicals with no experience. Proves you're serious, diligent, and a quick learner.
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