Just feels like every direction is a closed door
Hey everyone,
Basically just need some advice because I’m feeling down and not sure anymore what I can do.
Basically I’m UK based, studied Engineering for my undergrad. In my final year of undergrad did a minor in finance and fell in love with it. After graduating (university is a target, top uni’s in the UK) I did an internship at a startup before managing to land a IB internship in my home country for 6 months.
After the IB internship I decided to do a Masters in finance, went to a top 10 uni worldwide, graduated with distinction and top marks (name on uni website)
However, when it came to applying to IB jobs it seems like I’m banging my head against a wall. Barely ever make it to first round, managed to get one with a EB (one famous for its reputation proceeding it lol) made me do 8 interviews for an off-cycle internship, including meeting the MD, to then be told my market awareness is impressive, my technical knowledge is perfect but I just dont have enough experience.
Managed to get another internship for 6 months from Jan to June at a no name boutique in London. They had made it known in advance they do not hire full time. Several people there admit I was doing the work of an A1/A2. (In reality even though some people there are genuinely good friends to me now, others were toxic so don’t think i would’ve wanted to stay)
Since then had one recruiter reach out about a A1 position at a fig boutique. Interviewed 1 hour on zoom, 2 hours in office, did a 5 hour modelling test, then they disappeared for 3 weeks and came back to me saying everything was good but they hired someone else.
At this point I just don’t really know what to do. Just dont understand whats wrong, I’ve applied to all the big places never even got a first round, 90% of the recruiters do not give a fuck.
Hey man, sorry to hear you're going through this!
I know you're having a tough time but I'd still keep going: the market is very tough right now given the obvious reasons but from what I've seen on your CV, it sounds like you've got some top quality experiences so something will strike! I know people who have taken 2 years+ just to get a role (and this was during the GFC) so keep going and I can assure you, you'll eventually pull through!
I was in a similar position to yourself and while it sucks, you just gotta keep pushing through it! Keep networking and trying out new stuff - hell, I went back to my university to take part in stock pitches and whatever just to show for the CV and it's somehow helped me into various R1, HVs etc. (although I'm still waiting to hear back from them, it's reassuring that I'm not getting dinged at the first stage.)
Currently, I'm taking time off as well and exploring other careers but I'm sure you'll push through it.
Feel free to message me for any advice otherwise!
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