200+ applications with 0 interviews in London, what can I do???

I graduated last year from a Top target uni where I studied economics. Throughout my final year and since, I have been consistently applying to internships and full-time roles. The goal was always IB or potentially direct lending/private credit, however as time has gone on, my search has become more and more broad. I have yet to land a single interview.

As for my background:
- Econ at top UK target
- Summer internship at BB (GS/JPM/MS) (sadly did not get return offer)
- 6 month off cycle internship at debt advisory boutique
- Fluent in French and conversational in Spanish

I really don't know what to do at this point. I got a job in tech sales a few months ago to pay the bills but I hate it.

I have spoken to everyone I know in finance, and they have all read my CV and said it is good and I should be getting interviews but I am not. What can I do at this point? People have told me to do a masters in finance but I really cannot afford to.

12 Comments
 

Take my view with a pinch of salt as I was in your view, but it could be down to what you did in your summer e.g. were you in CM or M&A coverage?

FWIW I know some coverage groups are overstaffed and not seeing deal flow vs others. 

 

Prospect in IB - DCM

Please elaborate?

some groups like C&R aren't hiring much for interns since market is relatively dead

some verticals like Tech are on fire at the moment, same for Rx

 

We have cut our incoming intern class by 20% due to AI despite record high deal flow. Tough market atm for students.
Have you tried off cycles? You would be the target candidate for these programmes

 

Incoming Summer inten here - given these conditions, what is your best advice to secure the return? Quite nervous heading in competing with the Europeans for the full-time gig.

 

We have a preference for European students simply because they are on average much more mature, more experienced, and know European languages. For reference my team is ~40 and we have maybe 4-5 brits.
My advice is show extra enthusiasm, go the extra mile, ask interesting questions, speak up, make yourself visible. Some Europeans may be too comfortable, not showing enough commitment because they have already done >12 months of internships and are tired of playing the game

 

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