Advice for after Graduation!!
Hello All:
I am graduating from a non- target school, Rider University this upcoming May 2010, with a Finance degree. I currently have a cumulative GPA of a 3.48 and a major (Finance) GPA of a 3.65. However, with only 1 semester left containing 4 more classes, I will be able to raise both of these GPS's even higher. I interned at Johnson & Johnson the end of my Junior year. I was mostly doing Asset Management with regards to fixed/capital asset funds and was also on the Compliance/SOX team auditing various departments within the Finance division. I am a strong and dedicated individual and have been networking for a long time. My true passion is banking with regards to IB/PE. I have loved investments/ equity for a long time, starting in highschool when I knew this is the path I wanted to take and took my classes accordingly. I have been networking with some faculty at school and they have told numerous times to get out there, talk to everyone and show them your passion for this field and you'll do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. I AM PREPARED TO DO THIS!. With all this said, I'm searching for some advice on what path I should take. With the economy and my current status at school I'm leaning everyday to get my MBA more and more, is this the right path giving my credentials??? Or is there another path I should take. I am very dedicated individual, and I feel from out of the Finance students I want this more then most. Pleaseeee shoot me some advice. This is greatly appreciated!
Thanks and Best Regards -Ryan
Ryan,
It's a little late in the game now to apply for IB positions as most of them were in the fall. Some are still doing interviews now, but many of the application deadlines have expired. In this case, I suggest networking with alumni and anyone you can reach (perhaps find contact information for people through company website). This is your best bet in finding any open positions or having an MD/VP push for you.
Getting a MBA straight out of college is not worth it, as you don't have enough real world experience. If you are unable to secure an IB job, I would suggest working for J&J (assuming they extended a FT offer for you). In this case, work your butt off, continue networking with the IBs and then apply for an MBA after a few years of work. It will still be hard though to break into IB with an MBA without prior IB experience.
Your GPA is decent, but somewhat low coming from a non-target. You will have to network hard and really show your passion for the industry.
Good luck!!
Thanks for your help! Greatly appreciated!
Torilini9,
First, I suggest not posting private information like your name/school/graduation on a forum like this.
In terms of what direction to take, its unfortunate, but at this point in your college career there are not many opportunities for you in IB/PE coming out of undergrad (esp at major shops). Unfortunately coming from Rider makes it even harder given Wall Street is more about pedigree than most professions and Rider is not well known/regarded. However, my suggestion is that you try to get experience with some of the regional investment banks in your area. Rider is in New Jersey so i am sure banks (for instance GS has an office in Princeton/Jersey City) may be a good place to start where you may have a strong alumni base to network with and can get your foot in the door until you apply to B-School. I think an MBA, especially if you want the opportunities your looking for now would be best pursuing when you have more work experience and can get into a top 10-15 program.
My advice now is to finish college strong get that gpa above a 3.6 and look for opportunities with regional investment banks or at regional offices. As the above poster mentioned, if you have the opportunity to go back to JnJ pursue that. Your in a tough spot, given what you want to do (banking) but you seem dedicated and passionate enough to make it happen. So, make it happen.
Did you apply to any banks this past Fall?
Also, did you apply for any SA positions when you were a junior?
Finally, what have you managed to accomplish with your network, and who does your network consist of (not specific names of individuals, but rather positions and banks)?
Thanks again for the help.
AverageGuy- This fall I did to many banks and nothing really came from it. I did apply for a few banks as a junior but it was tough because my internship with JJ did not end until the window for most banks to apply was finished As regards to network, consists of consultants and advisors at my school who connected me with former employees at Lehman and Bear. My school had strong connections and many recruiting opportunities with alumni at these banks.
Thanks!
^^As in dont signature your posts with your full name
It's all about the network. You need to get as much face time as possible with anyone who will give it to you. I managed to arrange a meeting with a HBS grad who was the head of US fixed income trading at a large bank. We talked about religion, politics, war, our philosophies on life, etc. After two hours, he told me that he could get me a job in trading, if I wanted it. However, I wanted IB and shortly after that conversation I got an offer for IB, but the story is a testament to the power of networking.
Now, you're not going to hit it off with every guy/girl you meet, but it only takes one. Sit down with as many people as you can, have something interesting to say, and you might end up with a job.
You couldn't be more right and that's what I am planning on doing. I feel like if I can acquire some face time with my networks, I'm confident it will turn at well. I very aggressive in the network department. You have any other suggestions or hints that can help me when I graduate with regards to any kind of jobs or directions I should take.
Thanks once again
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