Share thoughts if you are on F-1 visa & looking into IBD/ER

Hey fellow monkeys

I honestly never thought I would start a discussion with "F-1" in its headline but after some basic search on this forum, I think us intl students just haven't been super outspoken about the (unfair) obstacles we are facing in the States.

Semi to non-target, ER internship at a Wall Street firm in NY with a kinda decent name but not really hiring. Got that role pretty much by accident. Not sure if I want to try IBD at the same bank(downsizing as well) and also been looking at opportunities in HK. Aware that 2019 IBD SA is pretty much done in the US at this point.

Just wondering guys' thoughts on "what if you don't land a banking gig in the US?"(which is quite likely) Assuming STEM background, is it at all possible to find a full time role at smaller buyside firms right out of college? Smaller ibanks in smaller US cities? HK big banks or US smaller whatever?

Is it seriously the best or nothing?

Please kindly share your thoughts and would love to make some friends as well. Go F-1!!

5 Comments
 

Hi TATA97, whoops, looks like nobody chimed in here.... maybe one of these discussions below is relevant:

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Hey, Everything is possible even though it seems harder. I am international too on a STEM visa and I have lots of friends who made it to GS and JP in front office jobs so don't lose hope, the key is networking.

Try to find associates/VP from your country of origin and reach out to them. They know your background and where you come from so they'll be of better help.

 

just keep searching for small IBs. you don't need sponsorship for the internship you'll only need it for FT right. and unless the job posting says permanent work authorization needed, you should just go through the process. let them know you're intl once you get an offer and ask if the offer still stands. i feel like small firms are most flexible on deciding if they want to hire intl or not

 

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