Will my CV stand any chance for SA 27
Will I get any looks for this recruitment cycle form BB/EB/MM.
No Springs and mediocre A levels (BBB)
Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum
| +82 | Who is the final boss in Houston Energy? (GS, JEFF or EVR) | 18 | 10h |
| +80 | [2026 - October] Unbiased Prestige Rankings | 45 | 1h |
| +48 | You should probably leave IB | 23 | 5h |
| +45 | Why Do We Turn Comments? | 10 | 5h |
| +43 | McK vs A&M Offer Decision | 23 | 13h |
| +43 | Tomorrow Will Be Better | 5 | 2d |
| +39 | Moelis PCA vs Lower tier BB Coverage | 27 | 4h |
| +22 | UBS’s Investment Bank Is Building an AI Slop Factory | 3 | 16h |
| +21 | How early is to early? | 9 | 3d |
| +21 | MS NYC Generalist Program Group Rankings & Placement Process | 12 | 1d |
Career Resources
Based on the most helpful WSO content, securing a Summer Analyst (SA) position at a BB (Bulge Bracket), EB (Elite Boutique), or MM (Middle Market) bank with mediocre A-levels (BBB) and no spring internships can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some actionable steps to improve your chances:
Leverage Networking: Networking is critical, especially if your academic background isn't stellar. Reach out to alumni, attend networking events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can help you bypass some of the traditional screening processes.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you lack formal internships, emphasize any transferable skills or experiences. For example:
Tailor Your CV: Focus on making your CV as strong as possible:
Prepare for Interviews: Even with a less competitive CV, strong interview performance can set you apart. Use resources like WSO's Investment Banking Interview Prep to master technical and behavioral questions.
Target MM Banks and Boutiques: While BB and EB banks are highly competitive, MM banks and smaller boutiques may offer more opportunities for candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. These roles can serve as a stepping stone for future opportunities.
Consider Off-Cycle Internships: If you miss out on the main SA cycle, look for off-cycle internships or other finance-related roles to build experience.
Persistence and strategic preparation can make a significant difference. Don't let your A-levels define your potential—focus on what you can control and showcase your determination to break into the industry.
Sources: MM SA to BB/EB FT, Would YOU Give Me An INTERVIEW? (SA 2021), Crucify my CV LDN SA 2021, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/resume/cv-review-for-sa2021-london?customgpt=1, NO INTERVIEWS LAST TIME - CV REVIEW LONDON SA 2021
For IB? No.
Anything else? Maybe.
Does BBB even meet the minimum grades?
From my Due Diligence, Most Banks don't specify minimum grades but consensus is its AAB/ABB. But, BofA says you only need a minimum 112 UCAS points in their application requirements for IB, also talked to Lazard recruiters at a event and they said there aren't specific A level requirements. So just kinda confused on what the reality is
Ignore the below commentor, you'll be fine. Might be a bit harder, just apply to everything on Trackr and something will stick
I wouldn’t put “selected deal experience”. You don’t actually have any. The probability you were put on anything remotely impactful as an intern is near 0. It’s abundantly obvious you’re trying to pad the middle part because you only have one relevant role. Not to be a dick but this is all 100% true and it will get noticed
On the other hand it’s a better CV than you think, you can still land something but it’ll requiring networking and a bit of hustle
Thank you. But these are actually deal opportunities I worked on and tasks I did, but lot of it fell through in the end as the partners were quite picky and I left as the second transaction was being for sent for a LOI, am I better of renaming it ''project experience'' or should I just get rid of it.
Not true. Worked on a 100% legit sell side deal and also had selected transaction experience on my resume. If you’re just putting what u actually did as an intern (drafting pages of the CIM/one pager, helping manage data room, joining client calls, etc) then nobody will care and if anything it will be respected.
The problems arise when u start larping and claim u ran a full process as an intern
“Spearheaded” diligence is just far overdoing it. No intern, or FT analyst in most cases would typically be leading DD. I don’t think it’s worth it to have separate deals / project names as an intern if they didn’t close, because you’re bound by an nda to talk about them at all.
Instead, you could include bullets on the industries/subsectors you worked in , the exact tasks you typically did, and the amount/type of modeling you did. That gives the interviewer something to ask about and keeps you out of a tough spot having to skirt around an nda (if you violate one in an interview, you’re 100% cooked). I assume you’ve looked at far more than just the project that was a pass and an MP that didn’t close. Leverage whatever else you did in like 3-4 months with the firm.
Also be careful with wording. No firm wants to see that you analyzed “owner replaceability”, as replacing the owner in management is not something you ‘want’ to pursue unless given adequate reason. Not something you want to brag about in an MP stage especially.
Realistically, no, pretty unlikely.. But it's a decent CV. I'm sure you'll land on your feet somewhere it just probably won't be at one of the firms you're targeting.
would MM/Boutique be plausible, then id be willing to do a target masters and try for EB/BB
Sit voluptate iusto qui provident. Et adipisci consequatur vitae vitae. Qui aut qui maxime error.
Totam excepturi quod quidem et. Reprehenderit tempore reprehenderit culpa est. Et tempore est omnis dicta at. Beatae dolorem illum est ea voluptas magnam. Amet alias sit velit et. Numquam ab distinctio id aut optio.
Molestiae nesciunt modi dolores velit temporibus atque. Quidem corporis dolor molestiae aut beatae dolor et est. Facere magni quis eius iusto adipisci harum ratione. Odio repellat accusantium iste quidem fugiat.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...