Ivy undergrad with no experience, what to do?

Ivy undergrad looking for summer internship but so far I'm just getting rejected from every company or firm I've applied to so far. I transferred to a target school as a junior, but I have no relevant experience at all in finance. Have attended a couple of networking events with no luck so far. I'm obviously doing something wrong, I suck at networking and I'm probably not doing enough, but I also can't help but feel disadvantaged since I know some juniors who have prior experience with good GPAs to add, therefore being more competitive and more qualified than I am.

Would appreciate some advice. My options so far is to extend my graduation date and maybe practice my interviewing skills while I'm at it.

6 Comments
 

It is a little late in the application season, but apps are still open for some front office roles for summer internships. You can definitely get in without the experience, you just need to market yourself better. There are tons of people from ivies but they have experience, so why you out of those people?? Try to craft a unique story about yourself and your interest in IB (or other division). Many foreign banks are still recruiting - I just got a first round interview for UBS due in a few days but leaving the spot open for someone else. I think your best option is to apply everywhere first, consider middle office/back office roles as well if you want to still work in finance and maybe move up from there, although it is much harder to. Try some unrecognized firms like BBH, and foreign banks. At the same time network to get a feel for the firm and then you can name drop during the interview if those meetings went well. Try your best, and if all else fails, stay another semester but you should try to secure a no-name internship in IB this summer. Are you considered a diversity candidate? PM if yes. Good luck and keep practicing, shaping your story. It makes a huge difference in the end.

 

I noticed you mentioned something about diversity at the end. I'm not at an Ivy but I do qualify for diversity (at most places) and am still looking for an SA position for summer 2020. do you know of anything in particular?

 

Diversity recruiting happened earlier than 2020 recruiting began for the regular timeline. Pretty much everywhere is full. Boutiques are your best bet.

 

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