Late to IB SA Recruiting, exploring options
Hi guys,
Looking for advice for someone that's late to IB SA recruiting because I really just dropped the ball and have scheduled very very few networking calls and basically applying everywhere cold. I think I'm pretty cooked for SA 2027, but wondering remaining options.
I've seen people here say to start networking now, get a boutique -> recruit FT. For this option, what does that mean? When is the timeline FT recruiting for BBs/EBs (Junior Fall? Senior Fall?)
How does this fare against just extending my graduation by one semester, so I can be a sophomore again and just retry the SA route for SA 2028?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your options and timelines:
Networking Now and Boutique Internship → FT Recruiting:
Extending Graduation and Reapplying for SA 2028:
Key Considerations:
Ultimately, the decision depends on your current readiness, financial situation, and long-term goals. If you can secure a boutique internship now, it’s worth pursuing while keeping the option to extend graduation as a backup.
Sources: Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, 2021 SUMMER ANALYST RECRUITING THREAD, IB Recruitment Timeline for Juniors & Seniors who didn't land a junior-year IB internship, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/re-recruiting-for-ft-2025?customgpt=1
Extend grad for sure.
bump
Would definitely recommend extending your graduation date. SA 2027 recruitment has been awfully competitive, can't even imagine next year's cycle. Start studying now, prepare to start networking in May, polish your resume constantly, land a good internship for summer 2027, and you'll be a strong candidate for SA 2028.
Is it actually that late?
As someone recruiting for SA 2027, I would love to say "no, it's not too late" to your question.. however, I think I'd be giving you false hope. Some firms have already wrapped up or begun wrapping up processes.
I'd say to just keep trying until April. If nothing works by that point, take a break and try again sometime later this year when people renege and banks reopen spots.
bump
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Im a sophomore at a B10 non-target. Made the mistake of really only seriously networking in NYC, leaving myself will no backup. Many of my connections have fallen through or haven't done enough for me to get a first round. Definetley thinking about doing FT recruiting as a senior, or even pushing grad back a semester to recruit for SA 2028.
I have been thinking, would it be worth transferring to a high teir target and do full time recruiting from there? Based on my stats schools that are realistic would be Stern, Ross, Mendoza, Haas, Fuqua, McCombs, etc. Anyone have any advice on what route I should take? Would transferring make a meaningful difference for FT recruiting?
Bump
I am a current sophomore transfer at a t20 that is a semi-target/target, and I'd say transfer is def worth it to do SA28 rerecruit. Not sure about FT. Caveat, consider how comp these schools you're tyring to transfer into are. I have a buddy that transferred into Stern and has had bad luck just because you're competing with your super comp peers, but Stern is def better than most names on that list.
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Your connections didn't not do enough, you didn't do enough
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