Landing an IB job without an internship?

Hello everyone, I am a MBA student from a smaller school, I recently graduated with my BS in Finance, and I am now working on my MBA with a concentration in Finance. I have been working full time 60+ hours a week in a non-finance management position since I started my undergraduate. This has caused me to be unable to perform an internship into a local IB here in Houston, Tx. Because of this, I feel the likelihood of landing an analyst position is quite improbable. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions as to how I should navigate these circumstances? I feel I have a strong work ethic given I have worked 60+ hours a week and still gone to school full time and earned a good GPA, but I'm worried the lack of a internship or relevant work experience in the financial sector will prove it impossible to overcome. I am certain the company I work for would give glowing reviews my skill as a manager/ work ethic. Any suggestions on networking, or finding a mentor?

I would also like to add that I am very passionate about IB and dreamed at the opportunity, as it was a driving factor in my decision to attend college and now for my MBA

Thank you for your time and thoughts

Comments (3)

5d 
WSO Monkey Bot, what's your opinion? Comment below:
16h 
Lemur2020, what's your opinion? Comment below:

You're doing this entirely wrong. You missed your shot in undergrad. Understandable, but you're not applying any lessons learned from that failed result. Especially if you say that IB was your dream since undergrad. 

You're going to have to network like crazy, and you're probably not going to find any ins at the major firms. You might be able to find a spot at a smaller broker-dealer or wealth management shop to at least get your foot in the door, but that's a miserable experience still. 

My advice, quite your no-name MBA and go enlist in the military for 4 years. Do your time, then get out and get an MBA at a T20 school. The GI Bill will cover tuition and housing, which will allow you to intern in the summer and banks love vets.   

  • 1
14h 
huntermiller, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Non voluptatibus quis aut quibusdam. Omnis aliquam porro amet et iusto excepturi. Est consequatur fugit quia et.

Omnis eaque doloremque saepe omnis id ut. Rerum reiciendis accusamus aliquam tempora aliquam reiciendis. Ex quam voluptas autem sed quisquam. Dolore et dignissimos amet consectetur quibusdam. Sapiente accusantium dolorem culpa veniam doloribus. Nihil aliquid modi enim magnam qui.

Mollitia nisi nihil autem expedita dolorem tenetur tenetur. Ipsam sit nulla et. Quia praesentium atque laborum ut beatae deleniti labore. Facilis iste eos illum qui explicabo tenetur. Aut quisquam quia reiciendis ab perspiciatis.

Start Discussion

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres (+ +) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (= =) 99.1%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽02) 98.6%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▽01) 98.2%
  • William Blair (▲10) 97.7%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • William Blair (▲04) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (▲11) 99.1%
  • Canaccord Genuity (▲17) 98.6%
  • Stephens Inc (▲10) 98.1%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▲04) 97.7%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Financial Technology Partners (▲05) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (▲01) 99.1%
  • Lazard Freres (▲13) 98.6%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽03) 98.1%
  • William Blair (▲02) 97.7%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2023 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (6) $592
  • Vice President (27) $425
  • Associates (141) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (9) $194
  • 2nd Year Analyst (86) $170
  • 1st Year Analyst (264) $171
  • Intern/Summer Associate (45) $165
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (193) $92