No clubs @ NYU Stern - big deal?
Hi all
Was pretty tapped out of things my freshman year at NYU and was really just enjoying the city and trying to make the most out of everything. Didn't really try to recruit for many Stern clubs at all as I thought I was going to do SWE.
Kinda realized that I am going to recruit banking and am going through the process right now. I have good experience (9 fig SM HF intern + 9 fig PE firm) and I've gone through and understood the guides quite well and have also done well on all technical mock interviews that my friends have given me.
I'm noticing that not that many alums are really responding to my networking emails, but am starting to see more now.
Pretty indifferent to starting my career on the East/West coast, but would really like to go to a better investment bank solely for name brand. Can any alums speak on their experiences recruiting with/without clubs and how helpful the clubs are in the process? Also any tips for recruiting without clubs from Stern?
Thx to all in advance.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, clubs at NYU Stern can play a significant role in the recruiting process, especially for investment banking. Stern-specific finance and business clubs often provide access to exclusive networking events, roundtables, and alumni connections that are not as readily available to non-members. These clubs can also help you build relationships with peers who are also recruiting, which can be valuable for sharing insights and preparing for interviews.
However, not being part of these clubs does not mean you're out of the game. Your strong internship experience at a 9-figure SM HF and PE firm, combined with your technical preparation, already puts you in a competitive position. Here are some tips for recruiting without club involvement:
Leverage Stern's Alumni Network: While clubs often facilitate alumni connections, you can still reach out directly through LinkedIn or Stern's alumni database. Personalize your messages to highlight shared experiences or specific reasons for reaching out.
Focus on Networking Quality: If you're not getting responses to your emails, refine your approach. Make your outreach concise, specific, and tailored to the recipient. Mention your relevant experience and express genuine interest in their career path or firm.
Attend Stern Events: Even if you're not in clubs, Stern hosts various events, seminars, and conferences that are open to all students. These are great opportunities to meet professionals and recruiters.
Highlight Your Experience: Your internships are impressive and should be a focal point in your conversations and applications. Emphasize the skills and insights you've gained from these roles.
Mock Interviews and Guides: Continue leveraging technical guides and mock interviews to stay sharp. This will ensure you're well-prepared when opportunities arise.
While clubs can provide a structured path to recruiting, your strong background and proactive approach can still lead to success. Keep pushing on networking and refining your strategy!
Sources: Undergrad Investment Clubs and their impact on recruiting, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, How To Get Into The Undergraduate Program At NYU Stern: A Quick Guide, Is NYU-Stern worth 150k more than UMD?
Freak the fuck out it’s over
Did stern no clubs and noticed the same, a lot of alumni will only talk to their own club members or frat or whatever. Had a higher response rate from non alum and that’s something I’ve heard current students say too. This only applies to SA, I got a good mm offer and for ft had a lot more networking traction and interviews across bb/eb/buyside even in shit market, and upgraded banks significantly ft. I think the problem is there is sm competition at stern that clubs are basically the screener, but for FT the SA becomes the screener. Doubt anyone is going ft into banking without a very relevant internship from stern though
No advice since I didn't attend Stern, but I am curious how you got both SM and PE internships (in fact what SM is 9 figs?)
Been investing for a while and posting on seeking alpha + VIC. Somebody liked one of my VIC posts and I talked with them, and they referred me to a friend who runs the HF I worked at. It's not really an "SM" like a Tiger cub/grandcub spinoff, it's more just a smaller fund.
PE internship was from a friend's dad lol.
Both r pretty lucky. Didn't really deserve either but was in the right spot @ the right time.
transferred in from cas, attended some clubs but never did the sweaty app processes and stopped attending after I got into stern. I had an easier time with non-sternies/non-nyu, as the other person said. I also don't work in finance rn tho
gonna be rly tough. Stern is lauded as a target but its only a target if you're in clubs. also why would you think you were doing SWE if you went to stern lol
Was pretty undecided between SWE and Banking/publics, so figured that I should go to the best finance school that I got into since prestige matters less in SWE.
Did you personally go to Stern? If so, do you have any friends who weren't in clubs and still did well in terms of recruiting? Will I just not get very many chats whatsoever if I am not in a club? Do you have any advice on how I should recruit?
yes was in stern. You will still prob get a few chats but people will be less willing to bat for you. Clubs are a de facto requirement for Stern recruiting. I hate the system, but it is what it is.
I know of multiple kids from Stern that I know through an organization I'm in, who were recruiting with great resumes last cycle. Some took offers at MM/LMM, and some are still recruiting, unfortunately.
My year of recruiting (few years ago) I know of a few kids from Stern who didn't do any clubs, none of them got offers. The weird thing was that my friends in CAS who weren't in clubs ended up doing better.
If you're not in any clubs or relevant organizations, you need to network harder than everyone else. I agree with the above commenters saying to reach out to non-Stern people. You will definitely have a better hit rate there. Dont think its the end of the world if you end up at a MM/LMM bank, still great places to start.
Was in the same boat but happily at a Top bank now after a lateral. It’s possible u will have to settle for breadcrumbs after the club kids take the best (e.g. take a mid or lower tier BB after the FS/QFS kids take all the Evercores and PJTs) - but you will be fine if you get prepared and have a bit of luck.
I will also say that while breaking in to a BB/EB in the first place is hard, lateraling soon you get some reputable name isn’t bad at all especially if market is hot. The job market is pretty trashy right now but you will only start working in 2-3 years. You will be fine.
Great to hear. Glad that you're doing well and this gives me a lot of hope. Is there any way I could PM you and chat with you for ~10 min about your experience recruiting?
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No clubs didn't get into any 2 years in a row
Placed in top 4 TMT group at the time, arguably better placement than presidents of FS and QFS at that same time.
Just don't be a bot like everyone else. Cold Coffee chatted an MD for an hour because I wasn't a bot like all the internationals
Now in GE
Don't sweat it lil bro lots of insecure people in Stern who put others down to try to seem better when they're not
No clubs and placed well. It’s very possible.
Any particular advice? Feels like I'm just fighting an uphill battle with most of the stern alumni already knowing club kids at these info sessions
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