Reason for no banking internship in FT interview

I am hoping to get a FT offer in IB this recruiting season, though I am not working in IB this summer. I'm sure an interview question will be "why weren't you a summer analyst anywhere" and am wondering how to respond that. I studied abroad this past spring and was gone for almost all of the recruiting. Will interviewers be at all understanding of that or is it a lame/immature excuse for not getting an offer and seen as an attempt to cover my possible lack of credentials. Had a few skype interviews but they just didnt seem to be the same. I go to a semi target if that makes any difference.

Also, what are some good answers for that question?

10 Comments
 

I'm in the same positions and I plan on telling them the truth, that my passion for IB wasn't fully developed until I had already accepted a different position as a Data Analyst. Fortunately in my case, many of these skills are transferrable, however we will be recruiting against people who have direct experience as a Summer Analyst.

 

This. I'm doing this also. My internships have taken me across industries and in many very different locations. I'm just going to say the truth, I was exploring the finance field, but after talking to many people I believe that IB is for me because blah blah blah. It'll also help pitch why I interviewed at a few IB superdays, but didn't get an offer.

Why get your own coffee when you can get an intern to do it for you?
 

the field is so overcrowded that unless somehow you strike a connection with someone (let's say about where you traveled this summer or whatever else) who really wants you on the team, there is a lot of hard work ahead. i say this out of love. when choosing between someone that went through a program and has proven they can hack it vs. someone untested, 9.9/10 they will make the comfortable choice.

"I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. " -GG
 

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