Target school 4.0 (applied math economics)
60 applications
1 interview (said recommended for next round) Nothing…am I done for 2025 internships?
Just trying to get anything. Any advice? I have two internships for 2024 summer (finance) but can’t lock anything down for IB/S&T 2025
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I'd say keep your head up and keep trying. I understand you're at a target school, but submitting 60 applications isn't much in the grand scheme of things. Personally, I spent a year recruiting and sent out over 400 applications along with networking emails and texts just to get my foot in the door. Out of those, I managed to secure 8-9 Superdays, which is roughly a 2% conversion rate.
From my experience, I've learned that while many students have impressive 4.0 GPAs from top schools, what truly sets you apart are your resume, activities, likability, and online presence.
Transitioning from a non-target school with no prior banking experience to private equity, I found my success came from my unique resume, diverse activities, and mastering technical skills. Despite not converting those 8-9 Superdays, consistently reaching the interview stage and progressing to round 2 or beyond indicated that I was doing something right.
Another piece of advice would be to ensure you're involved in clubs that allow you to leverage your network effectively. If you're at a target school, you shouldn't have trouble finding alumni who are willing to make time for you.
Appreciate the words. I’ve spent a hundred hours on phone calls, emailing back and forth, and trying to reach out. It seems no matter how many people I talk to, even if they want to help it’s nothing more than “be prepared for this” and then I am in the interview and somehow they move along with others. My two first rounds were left with “I will recommend you for the next round”. I’m not sure if there’s something I’m missing.
Sad to say but that's just the game - I think you're doing everything right if you're spending time on calls and getting interviews. At the end of the day, it's really a numbers game. Just remember if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
You’re not screwed, it’ll be ok.
Just overheard an MD in another group that sits by me say he gave a verbal offer for a student to start an internship this summer (ie in two weeks)… now, he is a nepo hire (older brother is an MD at the firm), but still.
Even if it feels like you’re late to the game, opportunities pop up randomly. Grind out cold emails and intros. Ask all your friends who they know. Whatever it is, it’s possible. Keep your head up!
how do you suggest writing the cold emails and intros after the regular recruiting period for firms has closed (hope this q makes sense)
Makes sense.
I’d be sure to make it clear that you’ve don’t your homework. Don’t ask surface level Qs like “what does the interview process look like,” “how’s your experience been with the firm,” etc. Instead, identify a handful of individuals in specific groups which you have the most interest. Look them up on LinkedIn, see if they’ve posted anything about a certain/recent deal, or search up deals that their specific group has covered. In your email, ask something like “I saw that you (or your group) worked on the XYZ deal. It seemed interesting because ABC and DEF. As I’m interested in a group (or industry, product, whatever really) similar to what you’re in, could we setup some time to discuss this recent deal?”
idk, that’s just an example. Ball at a high level, ask specific questions about a specific thing. Even if you don’t find it interesting, make it interesting to you and prepare thoughtful and insightful questions.
On the call, it also helps if you develop and use active listening, and can ditch the pre-scripted Qs in favor of deeper Qs to dive deeper.
TLDR; 1) do your research, 2) be SPECIFIC in your email and what you’re interested in, 3) ask good questions, 4) be agile in your questions (able to pivot), 5) again be specific and don’t ask superficial questions (if you can’t tell, this matters/makes you stand out).
Hit me up in 2 months. I might have an internship in REIB + Generalist available for 2025.
That sounds amazing. Can I follow up in a month and then again in two? Thank you.
Sure!
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