SA 26 Recruiting Sanity Check??
I wanted to get a feel for my progress going into the new year and the full swing of recruiting. I'm at a big 10 state school non-target majoring in finance (4.0) with a couple of relevant internships across IB, ER, and RE. I have pretty strong case comps/campus involvement on the resume and a few cool hobbies that I like to talk about. I have done some networking over the last ~6 months and had about 60 chats in that time. The split is something like 22 BB, 8 EB, and 30 MM chats. About 20 of these chats have been with MDs and VPs, and 40 have been with analysts and associates. Most firms I'm gunning for, I either have a strong MD connection or I have 4-5+ chats within a group I really like. I'm going to keep plugging away going into the new year, but I definitely feel like my strongest relationships are the ones I began to cultivate months ago.
My alumni response rates are a bit higher than my peers in finance clubs, I've made some good progress with interviews for programs, and alumni/upperclassmen are telling me I'm in good shape. Those are good signs, but mostly within the bubble of my nontarget school, and I wanted to gauge how people on the forum think I'm looking going into the process. I've worked hard over the last year, and I'm proud of it, but I can't get rid of this nagging feeling that I'm going to end up without an offer 3-4 months from now. I'm casting a wide net and would happily take any opportunity that comes my way.
Any advice/feedback/words of abuse are greatly appreciated. Thanks, and happy holidays!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, you're in a strong position heading into SA 2026 recruiting, especially considering your non-target background. Here's a breakdown of your progress and some advice:
Networking Efforts:
Resume Strength:
Alumni Response Rates:
Casting a Wide Net:
Nagging Doubts:
Additional Tips:
- Interview Prep: Ensure you're ready for technical and behavioral questions. Use resources like the WSO IB Interview Prep Pack to solidify your knowledge.
- Follow-Up: Stay in touch with your connections, especially as recruiting heats up. A simple holiday greeting or update on your progress can keep you top of mind.
- Targeted Applications: Prioritize firms where you have the strongest relationships and tailor your applications to highlight your fit with their culture and team.
You're doing all the right things. Keep the momentum going, and don't let self-doubt creep in. Happy holidays, and best of luck with recruiting!
Sources: Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Non-Target with Great Experience and 4.0 GPA - How do I get people to talk to me when Networking or turn HR's head when I apply?, Recruiting is straightforward?, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student
bump
Stop looking for validation. You know your doing good.
Can be hard to get a proper feel at a non target, but appreciate it.
fr lmao, bro listed out every major accomplishment/things he knows he is doing well
you're fine. heck you could share some tips for all of us.
i still don't understand why they moved recruiting cycle earlier. pretty annoying disadvantage to non traditional applicants.
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