London recruiting in the 90s/2000s

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about London recruiting in the 90s/2000s:

1. Were analyst/intern classes all target students?

   • Analyst and intern classes were heavily dominated by target schools, particularly Oxbridge. However, it wasn't exclusively target students. Non-target candidates could break in, but it was less structured compared to today. Networking played a significant role, and there were fewer formalized processes like online assessments or standardized tests.

2. Has the list of targets changed since then? Have places like Durham gotten weaker as DEI hiring has increased?

   • The list of target schools has remained relatively consistent, with Oxbridge and other top-tier institutions still leading the pack. However, the rise of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives has broadened the pool of candidates, allowing for more representation from non-traditional backgrounds. This doesn't necessarily mean Durham or similar schools have gotten weaker, but the competition has diversified.

3. Did they really give out offers just from networking?

   • Yes, networking was a significant factor in the 90s/2000s. Offers could be extended based on strong personal connections and informal interactions. The process was less standardized, and networking could sometimes bypass the formal application process entirely. However, this was more of an exception than the rule, as target school dominance still played a major role.

Let me know if you want to dive deeper into any of these points!

Sources: How did banks recruit in 2000?, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, FT recruiting timeline London, London recruitment-can't understand how it works., Was recruiting for 2023 SA London unusually hard this year?