If you can, read the whole story. Anyone out there that's gone through tough shit, heads up and never give up!
My living situation as a child
I was born in a third world country (middle east), very (and I cannot stress this enough) shitty living conditions. Dirt roads, little food, browning water. My dad was VERY lucky and got approved for his green card and brought my mom and his kids to the states. No lie, it was very shitty here too. Both of my parents didn't attend high school, had to feed three kids, and needed to make rent. It was tough. My mom washed dishes, my dad cleaned floors, I personally cleaned bathrooms to support my family. My older brother has downs syndrome and also worked at a liquor store to support our family. Some other shitty things to mention before we get into the good stuff: We lost our home and lived in a van for some time, lost all our so-called “family” and “friends” because we were too poor/ “worthless” (fuck you guys).
Originally I wanted to be a Dr
I worked really fucking hard in high school and did well academically (high GPA, clubs, etc). Why? I wanted to go to a good school on scholarship and make money to take care of my family. Originally, I wanted to be a doctor, deadass because I knew they made money and it would always guarantee a job. Yes, I didn't care about helping people, I just wanted money and I’ll admit it.
Scholarship offer
I was able to receive a full 100k scholarship to a VERY NON TARGET. Lmao you def have never heard of it but it was free tuition and an almost guarantee admittance to med school (if I did well). I didn't have 2$ let alone money for college, so I was like fuck it, let's go. I went, I hated the subjects, medicine was boring af to me. Plus, I didn't know it would take so much time and debt to really make some money as a doctor, like a lot of it, fuck that. I didn't have the patience and my family needs help because our situation was getting worse by the day. I had no idea wtf IB was, I honestly didn't know much about finance, thought it was whatever. Then my buddy got a job at Barclays and told me you make a fuck ton. I was like shit and made the switch.
Transferred to a target
First, had to switch schools because no way in hell was I getting an interview let alone an offer given my school. LEGIT ZERO alum are in banking at that school. I transferred to a very good target (think Northwestern, Umich, Duke). Thankfully, the school loved my story and they actually matched my scholarship so I don't have to pay even a single dollar for tuition (very fortunate).
Secured a IB Internship
The challenge was not over. I was dumb af and still didn't know anything about finance or banking. All I knew was chem and bio given my pre-med background. Plus, being poor at this school where everyone was rich af and had connections, I felt irrelevant and didn't think I was going to make it. My first year, I bombed every interview. Reason being, didn't know technicals because I haven't taken business courses and my parents were sick (a lot of personal stress). I was able to secure an IB internship in NY at a whatever bank.
Networked like crazy
I kept grinding despite missing school to take care of my parents and working 3 part-time jobs during school to put food on the table for my family back home. When I arrived in NY, I finally understood the concept of networking and proper interview skills. Met with every person in the city, legit over 100 phone meetings/coffee chats to break into the industry.
Got the call...
I then was invited for a superday at a BB. NGL, I didn't think it went well. Everyone there was an IVY league kid and looked way more polished than me. The interview went well but not like THAT GREAT. I came out feeling OK. I went back to work and kept on networking and preparing for interviews. At around 7pm, I get a call from NY and my heart sank. It was either the mofo seamless guy or the BB. I picked up and the VP called to congratulate me, I got an offer at the BB within IB.
I DEADASS cried while talking to him and said “Thank you, my family and I really appreciate it”
I ran outside the building, facetimed my parents and NEVER FELT MORE HAPPIER. For the first time, my parents were crying tears of joy and I finally feel content for once.
All that shit that I went through is fading away. I still can't believe that a poor immigrant kid could get an offer at a BB in IB.
Lessons:
NEVER give up, always be nice to EVERYONE, stay confident, use “disadvantages” as learning opportunities, and try to find meaning to why you want something (for me, taking care of my family).
(Apologize for being dramatic or any silly grammatical or spelling errors. I’m just happy af and still can't think rn lol. All the best to you all. Happy to answer questions)
Congrats, this is well deserved.
Amazing! Congrats to you :) Audibly laughed at "it was either the seamless guy or the BB". Fun stuff.
Same here. Either FOOD-LOBBY or the offer.
What. A. Story.
Very inspiring, not only for people who are in the situation you were, but for people who didn't have much of a struggle comparatively, because it gives them a good sense of perspective. I'm sure you're going to be a straight up killer at your job.
Thank you for sharing...honestly needed to hear something like this today.
Would love to have you on the https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/podcasts</a">podcast to dig into your story more - we'll reach out :-)
Congratulations!!! Remember as you rise up the ranks to pay it forward:
(For people MS'ing, it doesn't help the dialogue unless you explain why...)
The American dream?
'Merica
Also an immigrant, also a non target (although never had to go through what you did). I still remember that same call, 20 years later.
Congratulations, I'm sure you will crush it. Never look back. Glad to see this country still works. PM me if you want any tips before you start the internship.
congratulations OP, no questions just a ton of respect for the hustle. if you ever want to get into PWM we could use more people like you.
From one immigrant with a similar background to another - this is what America is all about. You focused in, you never gave up, you dedicated yourself, you worked, and you EARNED. And people recognized and respected that. And you didn't complain or demand that this country or anyone give you anything because of blah blah blah - you f*cking earned it.
Never change this attitude; it will take you far, much further than the people who bleat and moan about not being able to achieve their goals because of xyz. Yeah, you have had to (and will have to) work harder. But that’s OK. Just power through it and achieve.
I won't lie--I hate grammatical errors in all writing. I give few breaks, but in this case, I forgive your exuberance. I find your story inspiring and wish you luck. If you need some help in a year or so after you've spent some time at the bank, I'd happily speak with you about career options. I make that offer rarely, but if you cite this post, I will honor it in a year or two when you're recruiting for associate positions. In the interim, take a breath, enjoy your success (they come less often than you might like), then center yourself and remember what you're striving for. Never lose that drive. The drive is what makes you different than all the kids you beat. That's why they chose you. It's your meal ticket whether you're hungry or not. I guess I'm trying to tell you to remain hungry.