No return so what are the options left

I’m still in shock. I learned yesterday that I would not be receiving a return and was at a top BB (GS/JPM/MS). Honestly, still don’t understand why because I received super positive feedback throughout the internship.

I don’t know what to do now. I worked hard to get this internship, and now I don’t have it anymore. My mind will not accept stepping down to a boutique or even MM IB. I just can’t accept it.

I’m thinking about pivoting to consulting (MBB), but BCG and Bain have already closed. As a last minute Hail Mary I’m applying to McKinsey which closes apps on August 11. I know I’m going to get grilled for chasing prestige, but that is what I want. I don’t know how I went from thinking I had a top BB return in the bag to this within a week.

Point is any other prestigious options that are on the level of GS/JPM/MS that I can go for at this point in time? With the level of returns across banks, I feel that FT IB recruiting is going to be chopped, especially since it’s already always been a small intake class. I enjoy most types of work, as long as I feel I’m learning a lot from what I’m working on. Help.

Call me a moron but someone going from a top BB to something like even Wells Fargo makes it clear I didn’t get a return to anyone who sees my profile/resume. At the same time, I also cannot rationally hinge my future on one hyper competitive firm that I don’t know will even interview me. I’m literally McKinsey or bust; how did I even get to this point!!!!

9 Comments
 

ur prestige whore mentality is gonna fry you in life anyways, nothing u can rly do as long u have that going

 

I was never a prestige whore. I come from a low income family ($60K/year total).

I just feel like if I step down people will view me as being inferior, as someone who could not cut it at a top firm, and is not high quality. Certainly if it is not others, I would view myself that way. And say what you want but that's the way most people will look and think, and I don't want that for me.

 

Being this picky without a single offer in hand is how you wind up with nothing at all lined up post-grad. You're not owed anything just because you interned at GS

 

Ok that is good but then you probably just won't be happy because those are all very unlikely and involve a lot that is out of your control (as did landing at a top BB). Like the other commenter said, abandon your prestige-obsession. A bank like Wells Fargo would be a great outcome in your position and nobody would bat an eye. The longer you think you have something to prove to others the less happy you will be in life

 

Honestly valid, I’m in the same spot but a step or two down in prestige. Planning on recruiting completely unrelated industries so I can spin a story on having a change of interest / so it doesn’t look obvious that I couldn’t cut it at prior firm

 

That's exactly how I view it. Only thing comparable that is open right now is McKinsey and that closes in 2 days. And I'm talking in terms of volume as well. McKinsey (and MBB in general) comparatively hires a lot FT, whereas a top IB might make FT post but is hiring like 3 people.

 

no1. don't be naive, this is not the time

secure an offer - then if you really want to chase prestige, work your way through the chain with time. no-one will sit there and think you're inferior - mostly people only care about themselves anyway. 

you're in a strong position, leverage it to land before you "expand" - i use that term incredibly loosely

goodluck 

"we do not reach the peaks of these mountains, without first learning to give up our want to surrender" - shanke koyzcan
 

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