Non-target grad struggling to convert final rounds. Feeling lost and need advice.
I recently graduated with a 2:1 in a non-quantitative/social sciences degree from a non-target UK university. Going into my final year, I was confident I would secure a graduate program in IB or at least a Q3/Q4 off-cycle internship, but things haven't panned out that way.
For context on my background, I have solid experience:
- An off-cycle internship at a top-tier strategy consulting firm (I chose not to convert as I realised consulting wasn't the right fit for me).
- Two summer internships: one in business services at a corporate law firm, and another at a top-tier Asset Management firm.
Recently, the IB process has been incredibly tough. I just finished the process for an off-cycle role at a top-tier IB. I made it to the final round and honestly thought this was going to be the "yes," but I didn't get the offer. It completely wrecked me. I've also made it to the final stages of interviews with top-tier private credit firms, but unfortunately fell short there as well.
I am a UK citizen (so no visa sponsorship issues), currently living at home, applying for roles every day, and just hoping for a breakthrough. I'm starting to feel incredibly lost. I can't afford to do a Master's degree to rebrand myself, as I don't have family wealth to cover the excess tuition fees or living expenses. Because of this, I was relying heavily on securing a grad program.
I am currently aiming to apply only to OCs, but I'm genuinely worried about how my CV and cover letter are perceived. Given my degree profile, it feels like almost everyone securing these off-cycle roles comes from a target school with an Economics or Finance background or has a finance-related masters, again from target schools.
I just don't know what to do next or how to pivot. Any advice, harsh truths, or guidance on how to push through would be greatly appreciated.
Bump bump. No advice but good luck
how non target we talking?
It's a good school, just non-target.
Then, bro, you're getting interviews; just keep at it. It's luck and persistence in this game.
Consulting and AM isnt going to cut it unless you show clear skills and alignment to IB
Id say you're going to have to really push to modify your CV to align to ib skills else other people with more aligned exp will always come up higher in the pile
So I need to go over it and tailor it specifically to IB... through like deal experience?
My guy, don't worry.
I had 2 of the best IBD OC final rounds, and on the 3rd one I finally got it.
You will get there just keep going and learning from what you did wrong.
I would highly recommend touching up on your technical prep. I feel like your background and resume should be good enough to convert interviews. Have you checked out guiding wall street? they have a really solid interview question bank that i think is responsible for my offers.
If anything, my honest reaction is that I’m surprised you’ve got this far. Equally, it is remarkable that you have somehow got this far.
In this market I would not have expected you to even be able to land the internships you’ve mentioned so you’re clearly doing something right.
Per other commenter, might as well keep trying. You seem to have some kind of spark or edge so why not.
My advice otherwise would be to go into the best consulting or maybe AM role you can and attempt later pivots. People have worked a lot harder for a lot less.
Would be helpful to know why you want to do IB specifically. Just money?
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