Log 1: Start

I'm gonna start posting a weekly log of what I have been doing to work towards my goal to break in from a non-target. I've got a lot of BDE rn and am gonna be as open as possible.

I'm shit at writing so feel free to critique me.

Log for Week: 9/9 - 9/15

I had an interview for a finance program at my school. I had been networking with the program's director from and I am confident I will get in. I have also just signed up as a group leader for a Valuation Competition that I am exited for. I did horribly in the same competition last year, but I've learned a lot since then.

Networking: I cold emailed four bankers and have not heard a response in four days, I am going to follow up soon. I have also recently talked to a friend's dad who co-founded an AM firm, and he is willing to give me an internship. I am thinking of asking him if I could go as a part time intern for the spring semester. I want to save my summer for a bigger internship spot.

Academically: I have just taken my first mid term and scored well, (I guessed on some questions though). I have another mid term for a different class coming this Thursday and currently preparing.

Plan for This current week: - Send at least 10 cold emails/ LinkedIn Msgs - Follow Up with Current Emails. - Apply to 10 more summer internships. - Study for the upcoming Test.

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Edit: I'll provide some criticism since Im also a non-target who successfully broke into a top group at a top BB. Im going to be very blunt, you are lazy. You emailed 4 people? What did that take 10 mins? You dedicated 10 minutes to the most important part of breaking in as a non target? You really have to want it more.

Also stop wasting your time just applying online to internships and put that effort into networking. Email some local boutiques that you can intern for during the summer or during the school year.

 

Do I really have to explain? Its a waste of time because

a)Most of the time you would never hear back b)If its anything decent, your profile isnt impressive to hear back c)Your time could be better spent

I remember when I first started that I applied to over 100 places, never heard back from almost all of them, the two or three that I heard back from were pretty shit. Im sure a lot of people can relate to that, I now look back and laugh. The internships that helped me position myself were the ones that I landed though coldmailing or from connections that I received from contacts that I made through coldmailing/networking (alumni/upper classmen/non-alumni).

 
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I had a pretty shit response rate that gradually got better as my emails got better through experience/trial and error but dont expect to hear back from the majority of people. Its a numbers game thats why you have to be sending out a shit ton of emails, this will help you the most in terms of growth (someone already mentioned why in this thread).

Look in the mirror and ask yourself how bad you want to break in? If you want it really fucking bad then like someone else suggested add a 0 to that 10 and make that your goal. I probably cold mailed over 1500+ bankers.

 

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