4th Year (penulitmate) Chemical Engineer - No Relevant Experience - Am I F*cked?

Hi all,

Title sums it up nicely, I'll give a brief summary of myself. I’m a 4^th year (penultimate) MEng Chemical Engineer at a non-target (although Nomura and Chase are visiting campus next month, will be talking to them). Spent the last 12 months working as a process engineer within pharma manufacturing. I did well and do well in my degree, however this has never been something I’m passionate about. I’ve always been interested in financial markets and originally wanted to study economics at uni. However, I didn’t get the grades I needed for my first choice and my backup choice was terrible and I just had it down as a formality with no intention of going. To mitigate the damage, I went into clearing and chose my current uni/chem eng as I knew it was a solid technical degree at a good engineering school. I gave up on a career in finance at this point and rationalised becoming an engineer (cope). I still pursued finance as a hobby, I do my own Excel models for equities (similar to Martin Shkreli’s) and have always kept up to date with finance news – but I doubt this holds any real weight in applications.

I know this pivot can be done from chem eng, I’ve seen people from the same course/other engineering disciplines at my uni break into FO roles in BB firms, however they have had some relevant summer experience. Do I have any hope of breaking into IB at this point? I was thinking I might be more suited towards ER, due to the analysis/modelling done in my degree and spare time (which is something I enjoy).

What is the most realistic path for me at this point? I think I am too late for 2023 summer analyst positions, nor do I feel competitive for these currently. I was thinking trying to network my way into an ER position at a boutique then shooting for SA when I graduate in 2024 which I will aim to convert into a full-time offer.

Any help is appreciated. I just need someone to tell me whether a transition like this is realistic, or whether I’m dreaming, and my efforts should be focused elsewhere as to not waste any time.

Cheers.