PSA: Stop Prestige Maxxing

Ignore title. Lots of students (especially target) will have a chip on their shoulder and always chase the next most prestigious internship/job just because deep down they want to fuel their ego and mask some type of insecurity they are feeling. Biggest tip to students in upcoming recruiting cycle is to not consider how your classmates will perceive you because nobody cares that much, even more so after graduation. Consider the stuff that actually matters to you (pay/lifestyle/culture) and not how much LinkedIn aura you will have because nobody outside of finance knows what Apollo is. 

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This is a solid reminder for anyone navigating the recruiting cycle. Chasing prestige for the sake of ego or external validation often leads to burnout or dissatisfaction. Instead, focus on what truly aligns with your personal goals and values. Pay, lifestyle, and culture are far more critical in the long run than impressing classmates or building a "LinkedIn aura." As highlighted in WSO discussions, prestige might help initially, but your career is a multi-decade journey. Prioritize fit and meaning over external perceptions—because, honestly, most people outside of finance won't even recognize the names you're chasing.

Sources: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), Finance Culture - Personalities, Finance Culture - Personalities, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/how-to-gain-credibility-as-a-young-professional?customgpt=1, Off Cycle Recruiting Stories

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Ffs quit being a pussy and just try to maximize your life you bunch of tools

 

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