Making the jump from a non-target and middle market to BB

Hi all,

I am a incoming senior at a non-target state school. I was wondering what the community thinks my chances are for landing a BB IB job. I am planning on stepping up my networking efforts this year and have plans to crash a few recruiting events at a nearby semi-target. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

My stats: Double major: Finance honors & Accounting GPA: 3.9/4.0 VP of student investment fund & finance org. Director of Community Service Beta Alpha Psi

Summer Analyst - middle market IB firm (current) Audit intern - Big Four Intern/ Freelance writer - financial news start-up Teacher's Assistant - introductory financial accounting

Thanks in advance.

6 Comments
 

Judging by the non-target state school I am going to assume he is not in NYC.

But to OP, I would say that you need to spend a ton of time this summer networking. You need to get this done BEFORE the school year starts again. That way you can know when different banks are having events, their deadlines, etc. I will not say that it is impossible, but it is much more improbable that you land the position if you start when you get back to school.

Your grades, ECs, work experience are all where they need to be, so it is going to just be on you to get talking to people. Also, I was going to say that once you have done some good work this summer you should try to get contacts from people at your MM firm, but are they expecting you to come back FT? If they are, then you have a great fallback plan as well.

 

Thanks for the info.

I am in the Midwest. I was able to find the recruiting schedule of a nearby Big 10 school online and was planning on going to a number of the events. Other than cold calling/emailing, that is the only way I can think of to get in touch with BB professionals.

 
David_V_Goliath

Thanks for the advice very.chipper.

I was told the internship is basically an extended interview for a FT position. With that in mind, I thought it might be inappropriate to ask for contacts at another firm. Thoughts?

Assuming there's a chance you could see yourself working at the MM, your number one goal should be to make sure you get a return offer. There are certain situations where it'd be appropriate to ask but tread lightly and make sure you don't give off the impression that you'd rather work someplace else (even if it's true).

 

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