Unconventional IB Undergrad Seeking HONEST Advice
Hello All,
I am reaching out to the WSO community for some candid advice in regards to tapping into the IB industry given my non "path-dependent" specs typical for applicants in this field. I apologize if bits and pieces are not as cohesive or eloquent, but am just trying to think out loud and provide as much specific information as possible. Here's my story:
I am currently a Senior at a non-target (however has a relatively strong regional reputation) double majoring in Economics and Political Science (considered law school path entering into college). Unfortunately, hit a rocky start the first 2-3 semesters (2.5), but figured myself out and have brought my cumulative GPA North of 3.0. I have received certain academic accolades, such as recently being selected as one of the top 40 Economics students at my school and invited to meet with Janet Yellen for a private Q&A session.
This past summer, I had an internship position with a BB bank and received a return offer, however the position was in a back-office capacity. In the past, I have held internships at small law firms and a boutique M&A research firm.
Throughout the fall, I have applied to over 60 positions--primarily in IB, and have only been declined by 6 of those positions. In addition, I have been completed HireVues and aptitude tests for various BBs, and have been 'Under Consideration' with many of these for close to a month now. While it does not necessarily matter if you do not have the complete track record to support it, I also grew up in the Greater NY area with a large amount of family friends and career connections who work on the street who I have reached out to for advice as well.
Although it sounds completely cliche and is undoubtedly an overused characteristic, I truly am motivated to enter into the industry and despite not having the same trajectory as many students who eventually secure IB jobs, I trust myself that as soon as I get my foot in the door I will work as hard as possible to give my employer a valuable return on their investment.
My questions to the community are as such:
1. Considering my specific background and the obvious difficulty present to tap into the IB industry, how should I best be marketing myself or what can I be doing to optimize my visibility as a candidate? 2. Am I completely out of the running at this stage of the recruiting process if I have not heard anything fruitful quite yet? and **3. **What resources can I be utilizing in the meantime to improve my stock as a candidate?
Thanks for reading and will be receptive to any and all transparent advice.
Anything is possible, but it sounds like you haven't put much effort into networking based on what you've described. I'd honestly say you're late to the game if you want something in IBD right after graduation. Get some good experience under your belt, pursue an MBA, and then recruit again. You could also try and pursue a no name boutique as well and then lateral to a bigger bank, or you might even like the boutique and want to stay there. Just my 2 cents.
Anything is possible with good networking, a strong story, and a likable personality.
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