Investment Banking SA24, Non-Target Struggling

Over the past few months, I've worked extremely hard at the summer analyst process. I had many chances to interview (from networking) but fumbled countless times. Currently, I have nothing going for me. 

From this process, I have two big takeaways. One is that you need to get on the call with as many people as possible and keep creating opportunities. For every 20 calls you make, at least 1 of those will lead to an interview. The second takeaway is that timing is a huge factor—it's really all up to luck and something you cannot predict... This past month, I've been on countless calls where I've had great convos but learned that the role is completely filled.

I want to keep at this. I'm not giving up, but I don't know what banks are still recruiting (where you can still network and get a first-round interview). Does anyone have any advice/leads for me? I'm also looking to explore beyond M&A, maybe PCA, buy-side, valuation, etc.

Thanks guys.

9 Comments
 

what do you mean by fumbled? was it the behavioral questions or technical aspects that you were not proficient in while interviewing?

I would suggest looking at banks that recruit throughout summer and start applying asap. now might be too late to network, just submit apps and then network afterward.

 

How can I figure out which banks are doing that? Having a hard time finding them

 
Most Helpful

I think a lot of people are in the same boat, target and non-target. I think it comes down to the fact that you're competing against the best of the best who are panicking as well. Banks have downsized their 2024 SA classes by up to 40%, and assuming you're a non-diversity candidate, that makes the pool very competitive since everyone wants to do banking nowadays.To be honest, I don't know any specific banks that are in the early stages of recruitment at this point. Of course there probably are, but I just can't think of any. I think you should keep searching for banks that are recruiting and nail your technicals/behaviorals so you are ready when an opportunity does arrive. Or you can switch over the management consulting or some corporate advisory consulting path and re-recruit FT for banking. Or you can do both, but case prep and technical prep are kind of a heinous duo, but possible.

 

i'm right there with you man. hopefully a few places will re open periodically throughout the summer & fall 

 

An analyst told me they finished target recruiting and are recruiting for non-targets in the fall once the re evaluate how many bankers leave etc.

 

Quia repellendus nam nostrum quis illo. Doloribus vitae odio corporis rerum consequatur. Quis nulla vitae eum sint expedita numquam officiis. Voluptatum hic eaque aut omnis deleniti cupiditate. Consectetur odio omnis ea doloremque ut assumenda autem.

Animi voluptates doloribus aspernatur neque sint. Debitis laudantium molestias perferendis sed provident rem suscipit.

Ipsam nemo quod corrupti. Rerum sint consequatur molestiae omnis est vel in sit. Voluptate labore voluptatem illum voluptates.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (68) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”