Luck
No one knows what they’re doing when they’re recruiting. We tell every bank we love them the most and then through some highly inefficient recruiting process your friends and you end up in different banks across the street.
Then, one year in you realized your experience can be immensely different from your peers, for better or for worse. For me, I got rejected from a bank that a close friend of mine got in, but somehow deal volume at my bank picked up and the inverse happened at my friends bank. I’ve closed 5 deals since I hit the desk and some of my friends only 1-2.
I’m now also expected to get a considerably larger bonus than some of my peers. Sure, I’m getting worked, but I am very grateful of where I’m at and the exposure I’m getting, though I attribute most of my success to luck.
Some 1am thoughts :)
It sounds like you're reflecting on the unpredictable nature of recruiting and career trajectories in finance. Based on the most helpful WSO content, your experience highlights a key truth: luck often plays a significant role in where you land and how your career unfolds, but it's also about making the most of the opportunities you're given. Deal flow, team dynamics, and even timing can vary drastically between banks, and these factors can shape your experience and outcomes in ways you can't always control.
That said, while luck might have opened the door, your ability to capitalize on it—closing deals, building relationships, and delivering results—is what truly sets you apart. The bonus disparity you're noticing is a reflection of that effort and exposure. It's a reminder that while the recruiting process might feel chaotic and random, your hard work and adaptability can make a huge difference once you're in the seat.
Keep grinding, but also take a moment to appreciate how far you've come. Those 1am thoughts are a testament to your growth and awareness in a highly competitive industry.
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