Low Income Diversity Programs in Banking

Are there any firms that include low-income or first-generation immigrant students as part of their diversity programs within the US? I'm an Asian-American male considered low-income trying to break into the industry and I haven't been able to find any diversity programs that apply to me. Are there just too many Asian males that are already working in the industry? Why wouldn't low-income be considered an underrepresented group within banking? 

8 Comments
 

How come? I thought the whole point of the diversity program was to improve the workplace experience and outcome by providing opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups in society? I personally feel like I have a very different perspective towards life and work than some of my peers who have grown up in wealthy families. I'm not trying to sound like a sob story, I just feel like the notion of diversity should include economic class especially in an industry like banking where it's traditionally dominated by individuals from affluent backgrounds

 
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ElFamousBurrito

 I personally feel like I have a very different perspective towards life and work than some of my peers who have grown up in wealthy families. 

While this much may very well be true, perception is almost reality sometimes. Think about it from the perspective of the employer: if he or she had the choice of picking between you and another kid, who shared the same personalities, but your counterpart came from a wealthy family and is able to hold conversation about experiences playing golf in the hamptons, who do you think is going to get the offer? 

At the end of the day, banking is a monkey job that really doesnt need the "different perspective" you hear on these interview prep guides or forums. It's an old industry that is predominantly white and rich (but that shouldn't matter). What matters most is that you're not annoying, a tryhard, a douchebag, or a complete hardo. What matters most is how you sell yourself and display tactfully the prepartion you have done for the interview process as a standout (you're willing to learn). It helps when you're a tad charming and cynical as well - bankers do enjoy humor from time to time.

So, as much as I hate to say it, that chip on your shoulder from being a poor kid should be kept in check - you're playing ball in a different court now. This isn't college admissions where you get brownie points for crying wolf about your struggle. Such is life and you have to roll with the punches (or find out the hard way).

 

and that is why these diversity program are in state, to just meet quotas 

 

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