Hey all,
My school has a fair amount of BB alumni throughout the U.S., but I am looking for guidance to understand if I am wasting my own time by reaching out to these folks. I am trying to get into IB as someone who has completed undergrad. I had spoken with an associate at a BB earlier in the year, and, in short, he enjoyed the conversation but made it evident that trying to network your way into a BB is near impossible, as he said they have candidates both internally and externally constantly trying to get in. I understand this rationale entirely, and, in short order, pivoted my attention to boutiques, MM, regional boutiques, M&A shops - anywhere that may have a more lenient hiring process compared to that of the BB pipeline through undergrad. I guess I am just curious if it is still worth it to reach out to other BB alum, or if these efforts are futile? Just curious so I can best plan to optimize my own personal strategy of trying to break in. Appreciate any and all comments, stories, or insights that people may have!
Depends on your situation. Are you still studying at postgrad level? Are you currently unemployed? Working?
Working! Not in IB - very small startup experience right now doing strategy work for them.
What I did, and most who didn't know/failed to break in in undergrad, is go get a top 15 MBA and recruit for associate roles. Far more structured and there is a much higher certainty of success.
You can try to lateral, and perhaps it will work, but you will be more likely to land at a small regional shop, because the BBs don't really need laterals without experience. I'm not saying it's impossible - of course it happens, but my personal opinion is that there is a far better use of your time in preparing for an MBA.
I would continue to network for sure, but instead use your time to study GMAT, get promoted, and create a good story to apply to an MBA program.
What is your current role? Are you in another area of finance or not working?
If you're recently out of school and don't have any relevant experience, probably not worth networking with BBs yet. The FT timeline is very focused on undergrads.
However, there are decent lateral opps to a BB once you're 1-2 years in at a boutique. Focus on the regional shops for now and lateral once you've got some experience.
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