Title pretty much sums it up. I started networking in January and after so many networking calls and a few first rounds and super days, I’m still empty handed. I feel kinda disillusioned rn. I’m non-diversity, go to a semi-target, have a decent GPA, and good activities. Ig I’m just unlucky but I haven’t given up just yet even tho it’s so mentally draining. Anyone else in the same situation?
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Same exact position but still pushing through. End goal at this point is to get regional IB for junior SA and then hopefully lateral. If all else fails in the next month, gonna try for consulting but not really interested in it
I have the same plan and mindset. I really don’t want fall back on consulting either. Boring as fuck and I’m worried I’ll be stuck in it.
To be honest, I feel more upset about the opportunities i missed out on rather than feeling disappointed in going to a potentially lower tier shop. Careers last decades and this one internship won’t end up defining it forever
My friend signed SA24 a few months ago, you only lose the recruiting game when you give up.
Do you know how your friend ended up getting it?
an EB
Am just a sophomore so take what I say with a grain of salt, but there's tons of shops out there (regional IB / borderline MM) that haven't even kicked off their recruiting processes or are just starting, not to mention random small PE firms. I've also anecdotally heard some firms like Deutsche will have a second wave of recruiting in the summer but not sure how true that is. I would also look at IB-adjacent roles (PCA, PE Secondaries, maybe even commercial/corporate banking SA at a BB) to help with a potential lateral if you're dead-set against consulting.
Have you worked on figuring out why the super days didn't go your way? If it's just luck fair enough, but if not obviously try working on whatever it was that didn't go right for you.
Best of luck, I'm sure you'll find something
I know people who’re still in processes — just keep grinding man, cast a wider net and look into HFs, PE, credit, larger AM shops (ex: Blackrock) which are yet to run their process. There’s a whole year until SA 2025 actually kicks off and there’s always things opening up over the summer and into the fall. Keep your eyes and ears open for any opportunities that might interest you, hop onto Linkedin and Handshake everyday, and reach out to any contact that might be able to help at all. Most importantly, don’t settle for less, keep working till you get what you want.
hey man, thanks for the advice. do you know when large AM shops like Blackrock open their SA 2025? it seems like it's already opened: https://blackrock.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/brand-3/xf-1aa1a96c5ba…
If I’m not wrong, apps have opened but they haven’t kicked off interviews yet
You're not alone, I have many contacts to my alma matter (finance director) and many students haven't landed stuff.
The market just isn't great at the moment.
Economy is fucked. Just be glad you didn't go into CompSci. Keep your head up and work your contacts list.
Yeahh me too :/ did around 80 calls, hundreds of hours spent prepping, dozen or so mocks, and so far still empty.
One firm i did four rounds and a case study and havent heard back. That one hurt.
you got this, keep it up
in the same boat here, we got this
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