TGT to IB?

Hey guys,

Recently took a job offer from Target as a Business Analyst in Merchandise Planning. This comes after graduating from a non-target school with a good GPA (cum: 3.64, finance major: 3.7, econ major: 3.8) and a stint at a boutique shop that lasted ~6 months. Left the bank because after a few people left (became just my MD and myself) the concentration of my position became origination of new deals rather than analysis of "current" deals. In all honesty, I couldn't stand my MD and wasn't seeing much benefit from sticking around in a position that wasn't developing fundamental IB skills at a firm with no reputation. I've landed a few interviews in PE, IB, and Commercial banking in various geographical locations, but haven't received offers due to more experienced candidates. Additionally, I've been networking with some of the banks in Minneapolis, but the demand for an off-cycle analyst isn't there.

What are the possibilities of me getting back into banking after 2-3 years at TGT? Would it be possible to join a bank as an associate post-MBA?

Thanks for the replies.

5,965 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Class of '25 Nov 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Career Roadmap (optional)

“Parsita was extremely helpful with providing me a detailed breakdown on the different areas of an investment bank, from which I was able to gain a greater understanding into which areas I would like to focus on. She also was able to provide me a breakdown of the areas within sales and traading. Overall the meeting was extremely helpful and insightful, I would definitely reccomend her to anyone else who would like to gain a up to date, in industry, understanding of areas within IB. In particular which areas are growing more than others.”

Haagse Hogeschool

Class of '28 Nov 2026 Cohort

4.70/5

Investment Banking Career Roadmap (optional)

“I recently had my first roadmap meeting with a mentor from WSO Academy, and it was truly a pleasure. We had such an open, genuine, and insightful conversation. What I appreciated most was how closely his background, career path, and long-term vision aligned with my own ambitions. It was almost as if we shared the same goals and outlook on the future, which made the conversation even more valuable. We discussed a wide range of topics, including starting my career in an analyst role in the APAC region, potential pathways into private equity, and how to eventually transition into the U.S. market. We also talked about opportunities in the Middle East and Europe, the importance of building and maintaining a strong professional network, and even the possibility of starting my own company in the long term. He shared valuable advice on the next steps I should take and how to approach my career strategically. What made the meeting particularly special was how approachable, supportive, and genuinely interested he was in my ambitions. Since I’m currently completing my internship in Singapore and he will also be visiting Singapore soon, we’re planning to meet for a coffee chat, which I’m really looking forward to. Overall, I’m extremely grateful for this experience. It was a genuinely inspiring, helpful, and insightful conversation that made me even more confident about my decision to join WSO Academy. I feel fortunate to have connected with a mentor whose experience and vision align so closely with the career path I hope to pursue.”

See All 11,102 WSO Academy Reviews

1 Comments

Kenny_Powers_CFA

HF

15y

Qui blanditiis qui voluptas asperiores. Id ab et amet velit. Ea aperiam aut voluptas quod tempore recusandae.

Deleniti est placeat architecto et. Modi consequuntur non in non quia. Dolorem ad quia rerum ut minus voluptas. Modi blanditiis soluta enim. Possimus magnam vitae omnis.

At voluptatem beatae magnam dolores sit eveniet. Voluptate nostrum maxime quia. Tempore earum facere molestias eveniet ex ea amet.

Libero qui corporis et nam et sint. Ullam aut voluptatem velit qui laboriosam porro. Ea aut in velit molestias explicabo. Quis non iste culpa non deleniti consequatur rem.

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

There have been many great comebacks throughout history. Jesus was dead but then came back as an all-powerful God-Zombie.

+136	UBS Catastrophic Q1-Q3 26, M&A -17%, Outside Top 10 in Americas, EMEA & APAC	37	18h
+56	PWP acquisition by Piper cancelled	17	10h
+36	New analyst: how are you thinking about learning to model when AI is getting this good?	6	6d
+29	Evercore poaches Baird DC Defense Team	16	11h
+25	Houston banking Gods ?	16	1d
+22	Best Houston Banks for Culture in 2026	11	23h
+18	Normal for lateral process to go +2 months?	4	18h
+17	Internal lateral from coverage to M&A (focused on coverage)	3	1h
+16	35 yo MBA?	6	4d
+16	Juniors getting incompetent due to AI	4	17m

1	redever	99.2
2	BankonBanking	99.0
3	kanon	99.0
4	Secyh62	99.0
5	Betsy Massar	98.9
6	CompBanker	98.9
7	GameTheory	98.9
8	dosk17	98.9
9	DrApeman	98.9
10	Mimbs	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

TGT to IB?

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

TGT to IB?

See All Comments - 100% Free

Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum