Given current market conditions and the likely scenario of low return offers for SAs this year, is it safe to assume that FT recruiting will basically be non-existent this year? If so, what should SAs who don't receive a return offer do?
BTW, by FT recruiting, I'm specifically referring to entry level analyst programs for graduating college seniors (not experienced hires).
Thanks!
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This has been getting asked a lot and it’s in many of our heads I’m sure including the question of return offer rates this year…
Wouldn't call low return rates a "likely scenario" first of all... a lot of the talk about that on here is just nervous interns who are getting scared by Bloomberg headlines, not from people on recruiting teams. The market has little impact on cheap analysts/interns, especially given the last 2 years when banks were incredibly understaffed and couldn't do anything about it, they're not trying to shoot themselves in the foot by having a tiny class next year. I'd be far more nervous interning at a tech firm or startup right now, IB is not that sensitive to recessions. Bonuses will be down (from a legit all-time record...) but this is simply not the first market downturn.
Second of all, there will always be FT spots. People will change banks, groups, decide they hate IB and consulting is the greatest thing ever... the acceptance rate is simply not 100%. This is where you need a strong network to keep you in the loop of where these spots are.
Finally, it's like week 3 of the internships. If you haven't performed up to par, admit you were off to a slow start in your midsummer review and commit to work 10x harder - self-awareness and improvement are both good things and can save your return offer. If you messed up somehow, you have time to make up for it. If you are just anxious, focus on doing well and the things you can control, not by spending your weekend worrying about FT recruiting.
We as interns also don’t receive our first full time paycheck for pretty much over a year and wont receive a bonus for nearly 2 years. That makes me feel like we’re just a thorn in the side of banks’ current financial planning rather than any substantial concern right? Market could be completely different then.
I don’t know. Analysts got crushed in the 01/02 tech bubble bursting. My cousin was the only analyst in his M&A group at a top NY BB who didn’t get laid off. I visited his office when I went out for a super day, and his whole floor was empty at 5pm. It was so strange.
Wait, you're saying the entire M&A analyst class at MS or JPM got laid off in 2001 other than 1 person?
Once you have the network how do you have them remember you in case a spot opens
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