No BB RO 2026

Hi everyone,

Currently struggling to process no return offer from a bb in London. I was one of their most staffed interns in one of the top 3 desks, and this was very surprising since I had no hint beforehand. One and the only reason I can think of is an ED not being fond of me for no real reason. His behaviour was clearly VERY different with me vs other interns in the team and associates in my team noticed that too and told me about this during our coffee chats,

Just 2 days before the final decision the associate who I worked the most with told me he has very high hopes for me which further made me so much more confident about the situation. Final review was very vague!! like very vague + since they started with the decision I was too disturbed to focus on the rest.

This was my final year of masters and I've very limited options now - some off-cycles & grad programs! Id be very open to any advice there might be. At this point my only hope is that this intern will make my cv strong to pass screenings.

6 Comments
 

Not getting a return offer, especially when it feels unexpected, can be tough to process. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a structured approach to move forward:

1. Take Time to Process

  • It’s natural to feel disappointed, but don’t let this setback define your career. Take a few days to clear your head and regain focus.

2. Leverage Your Internship Experience

  • Highlight your experience on your CV, emphasizing the top-tier desk you worked on and the responsibilities you handled. Even without a return offer, this internship strengthens your profile significantly.

3. Network Strategically

  • Reach out to associates, analysts, or anyone you built a good rapport with during your internship. Politely ask for feedback and see if they can connect you with opportunities at other firms.
  • Expand your network beyond your internship. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and industry events to connect with professionals in London or other financial hubs.

4. Target Off-Cycle and Graduate Programs

  • Off-cycle internships and graduate programs are excellent options, especially in Europe where off-cycles are more common. Apply broadly to banks, asset managers, and other financial institutions.
  • Cast a wide net, including roles in Asset Management, Wealth Management, Consulting, or even tech-related finance roles. Diversifying your applications increases your chances of landing something solid.

5. Prepare for Interviews

  • Use this time to refine your technical skills and behavioral answers. Be ready to address the no-return-offer situation honestly but tactfully. Focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown from the experience.

6. Stay Persistent

  • Many WSO users have shared stories of landing great roles after setbacks like this. The key is persistence. Keep applying, networking, and preparing.

7. Consider Feedback

  • If you suspect bias from the ED, it’s unfortunate, but it’s also a reminder that office dynamics can sometimes be unpredictable. Focus on what you can control—your skills, attitude, and next steps.

Remember, this is a temporary setback. Many professionals have faced similar challenges and gone on to have successful careers. Keep pushing forward!

Sources: no return offer, No return offer - advice needed, 7 Tips on Reneging, no return offer

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

It sucks man and sorry for you. I think off cycles are your best options and they have often very good conversion rates. I can think of MS, BofA, DB

 
Most Helpful

Very sorry to hear that. I don't think I can offer much other than some words of encouragement: take a couple days to process/feel, but after that leave it in the past and keep your chin up.

The whole "rejection is redirection" is cliche but has truth to it. Imagine having to work full-time under an ED that doesn't like you. You do now know an associate that can vouch for you (reach out!) and likely had valuable learnings that you can use to craft a compelling story for the places you apply to next.

 

Have been in your shoes - I have very similar memories from a summer internship I did a few years back.

Sorry to hear - it sucks, and it might take a while to get over, depending on how badly you wanted it, how emotionally mature you are, and how much difficulty you've faced in your broader life.

Don't be disheartened - it might feel like a knockdown, but it's better to get tested sooner than later. It took me almost 2 years in internships before I got a job I was happy with - and I'd be happy to pay the same price again.

I'm always going to hire the person I know can get back up after they fall. Tenacity and character - no explanation needed.

"To whom much is given, much is tested"

 

How come in all these failed return offer posts, the intern does great work and is well regarded by everyone one on the team...except for some random associate or VP or ED? And that one random person holds such sway the convince the whole team not to offer a full time job to the intern?

If that associate really is your friend as you say, he can easily tell you off the record what the real reason was for your rejection.

 

Quo id et illum iste. Sint totam veniam quis quo amet. Sed id officia sed. Aspernatur animi quo nemo culpa ut qui earum.

Quia quia atque et rerum sapiente distinctio doloremque. Cum voluptatem delectus quos consequatur quaerat corporis. Eligendi voluptatem facilis a sit nostrum.

Dolores facilis aspernatur numquam odio et cupiditate. Eos nihil odit animi quo inventore quia. Quidem quia quasi iusto. Quibusdam non ab eum et necessitatibus voluptas est. Ipsum exercitationem quae vitae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”