So didn't get a return offer at a top-tier BB (GS/MS/JP). I still hope to continue to pursue a banking/FO finance career path, so what type/level of banks should I be looking at? I know that without a return offer, it would be hard to recruit for similar level banks (BBs, EBs), so not sure what banks I should start looking at.
Thanks
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I wouldn’t discount the experience you got. Aim for anywhere that is hiring, regardless of “prestige level”. Just need to be able to answer the inevitable question of why you didn’t get the return offer.
Currently recruiting without a return from a BB/EB. I would say so far people don't seem to care as much as I thought if I handle myself well during the interview, some interviewers have not even asked me about my return status. The fears about kids with no returns are a lack of technical competency and/or being a horrible person, both of which you can address in the interview. EBs are mostly out of the picture because they seem to be mostly done, but BBs are still definitely possible and MMs are doing lots of hiring. Keep your head up and get grinding.
same thing happened to me bro (tier BB group and all) and i just got an offer from a NY EB. It’s possible - take one day (literally 24 hours) to cry it out, eat like shit or whatever to get the feelings of failure out your system then fucking hyperdrive grind mode like you did to get that BB offer in the first place.
Good luck and PM if you have questions.
Hello, I'm not OP but I'm in the exact same boat. I love that you've been successful. I've been interviewing but would like to DM you tomorrow when my daily limit rests. Would you be ok with that?
For sure - offer is open to anyone. I'm confident that anyone in this position can be successful if they can fine tune quickly enough. At the end of the day, remember that the mere experience of a SA at a top tier BB group makes you an asset. Key is to make it seem like you’re the one that the BB group let get away.
Let’s be clear—no one is not getting an offer as an intern due to a lack of technical competency. People don’t get an offer for 3 reasons:
1) you had an attitude problem
2) you were non responsive
3) you made errors chronically
Most these could be explained away by addressing it as a learning experience. I.e. “Candidly, I made some errors early in the summer that I never recovered from. I could get a reference for people I worked with later in the summer who said I did good work, but my performance early built a reputation that was hard to recover from”
”the easiest answer can also be: it was a poor culture fit (everyone was an asshole at the place you worked)”
i wouldn't rule out any banks specifically since each of them would take you not getting a return differently, though it is generally viewed negatively. in all of the FT interviews i've had so far, the interviewers have asked if i got a return. i would just spin it in terms of culture/fit
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