sa 26 recruiting
when do we expect apps to open up for this upcoming cycle. just looking to see when to plan out networking
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Chiming in for RBC here, we begin September due to how rigorous and competitive our hiring processes are.
RBC so funny
ok DCF_guy
You two
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I would not expect anything to start until January the earliest. Some apps will open, unironically RBC usually opens super early (as does Rothschild); but nothing for those will be looked at until Jan. For now just leverage connections at your school and start snowballing your network.
Do you know/remember when the applications and 1Rs were sent out for SA 2025 recruiting? Should I expect first round interviews for SA 2026 to happen around mid-Jan?
Aside from whatever tf RBC is doing I'd expect the apps for some of the EBs/BBs to first open around mid December and rest of the EBs/BBs/MMs opening up through March. I'd expect applications for smaller firms/some regional offices to start thereafter. Now is not a bad time to to start networking although I'd really start to hammer it hard through the fall/winter.
I understand that seniority (analyst vs. MD) influences the impact of a referral for your IB application. Does it make a difference if your referral is from another division or department within the bank? For example, would a referral from a MD in software at the bank you're applying to help your chances of getting an investment banking interview?
Pretty much useless from another department. I never got an interview where I got a referral like that.
But if it’s an IB Sr. MD, def first round. Unless you have visa issues, if you’re prepped and sociable, you land.
I had to apply after SD to be in the system for HR before written offer. This was for FT recruiting though, Idk if other dept can get you a SA first round.
Putting down a list of when some of the major banks ran their timelines for SA 2025. Not including buy side processes in this list because then it gets too broad. Keep in mind these are just general timelines, and specifics might differ depending on diversity, expedited processes, etc.
BBs:
GS —> posted apps early March, ran process late March/early April
MS —> posted apps early Jan, ran process late Jan/early Feb
JPM —> posted apps sometime in December, ran process Feb through April (i remember they had multiple waves, not sure if all those were IB tho)
BofA —> posted apps early Feb, ran process late March/early April
Barclays —> posted apps early Feb, ran process late Feb/March (might’ve run into April too)
Citi —> posted apps mid March, ran process early/mid April
DB —> don’t remember too well but might’ve been similar to Barclays timeline
UBS —> same as DB
EBs/MMs/whatever the fuck:
Evercore —> posted apps early Feb, ran diversity process mid/late Feb, ran regular process mid/late March
PJT —> posted apps early Feb, ran process through March
Moelis —> posted apps sometime December, ran process late Jan/early Feb
PWP —> posted apps sometime Feb, ran process through March (not sure about this one tho)
Lazard —> posted apps early Feb, ran diversity process late Feb/early March, ran a (small) regular process mid/late March
Guggenheim —> posted apps early December, ran process late Feb/early March
CVP —> don’t believe they post apps online, school specific apps are circulated after on-campus visits generally, or you can drop resume on their website (lmk if I’m wrong), ran their process in waves in March/April
Houlihan —> posted apps early December , ran process Feb/early March
RBC —> posted apps early December, ran process late Jan/Feb
I know I’ve missed a few like Baird, WB, etc. because I don’t really remember what their timelines were like. Feel free to put them down in this thread.
Good luck with SA 2026 to whoever is participating, it’s going to be a fun year.
Thank you for this list. Do you know when the 1R interviews will begin at target schools for non-diversity?
Jan?
Question: If I'm applying to a bank whose apps open in December but have changes to my resume in Jan/Feb (i.e. new grades, new relevant club role, etc) due to the new semester, is there any way to have my resume updated? I'd really like to have that new info reflected when my info gets to decisionmakers.
Following.
Following
Most banks have a portal where a new copy of your resume/cover letter can be updated. You could also email HR or the head of recruiting. I've personally done the former and it is a pretty simple process
Thanks!
I didn't know banks required cover letters...ugh, another headache.
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