Struggling-Dejected & Disappointed

Hi Everyone,

I have been a regular visitor here but never really thought about posting. I am an international student who graduated from a non-target school (Yet a top school) in California with a degree in IR and specialization in management. I did a dual undergrad-masters program in accounting/ finance form my home country before coming to the US. 2 masters but not very old, 27 YO.

I have been working in IB for a very tiny boutique firm that also sponsored me for my H1b after about 6 months. They mostly do capital raises, been working here for 2+ years, even though its been a good learning experience I have been struggling to find something better for the past year.

I've tried everything possible, networked, contacted people on LinkedIn, used a couple of referral resources (for Corp dev roles) but couldn't get through. I've probably applied to 250+ jobs and landed several 1st phone screen interviews- some with prestigious banks but couldn't progress to the next rounds.

I am just very disappointed and not sure what to do at this point, its been close to 12+ months since I have been trying to exit my current firm. I wanted to stick to IB but realized that most well-known (bulge & MM) banks only recruit from other well-known banks or with a target school on their resume.

I am just desperately looking for a mentor who can guide me at this point, someone who has been in my place before and finally found something eventually either in IB or Corporate development.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, :(