Advice for an incoming freshman (Non-Target)
I want to get into IB and I need to know recommendations on how to learn the Industry. I'm going to start by studying the 400 IB Interview Q&A to get familiar with and grind the technicals. I'm also interested in WSO Ib interview Prep, and BIWS Ib guides but I'm not sure what to choose. Recently I have been mainly looking into the recruiting process and have found out how competitive it is and how much you need to know your shit. Now I'm moving from that and trying to figure out what I need to do and know so I can get into IB. Thank you
I’m non target and a rising junior. It’s not as hard as “they” say it is. LinkedIn premium is worth it. Find anyone who went to your university who’s in IB. It may be hard because you’re non-target, it was for me too. I didn’t have many to reach out to. After that connect with people you have any common ground with. Literally if they went to a school in the same state, or are from the same hometown, they will likely connect with you. Sometimes other people at random non-target schools will reply to you as well. Reach out and schedule phone calls with them. At this point being non target doesn’t matter. If the phone call goes well you can ask if there is anyone else that you should speak with. They will likely connect you with people on their team. Always send thank you emails as a follow up. Just rinse repeat this strategy and you’ll build a large network. Keep track of everyone in excel, and somewhat regularly reach back out to them, but don’t be annoying. You can’t just talk to them once and then never speak again until applications go live. I’ve found that they really respect the non-target “grind” and go out of there way to help me. Before you know it you’ll be interviewing alongside target kids. Good luck.
Thank you for the help. I’m curious as to what you recommend to learn to be able to have conversations with the people I reach out to. Is there skills that you recommend I learn or courses you recommend. I’m open to doing any work and want to learn as much as I can. I am going to be working on the foundational courses on WSO, but is there more that you recommend? Also how was the process in getting interships?
Don't worry about buying courses for networking. There are free resources you can find online. On the calls just ask them about their path in their career and gather advice as well. Their linkedin will say what group they're in, so read up on that and have some questions to ask about that as well.
Earlier this year some of the people I had contacted reached out to me to tell me when internship applications were going live, and they let me know that they flagged my resume. And for the people who didn't reach out to me I let them know I applied. If you do well on these calls you can get a first round and usually a SD. It really isn't as hard as the people on this website make it seem. Technicals are important but so is being social and fun to talk to.
Take an unpaid internship at a LMM boutique, or small PE firm if you can. That’s an easy way to get your foot in the door, and show you are serious about a career in banking. I know a guy from high school who did this from a non target. He is about to start FT at a decent MM firm so it worked out.
Thank you, I will look more into these internships.
Lots of stuff you can do to get ahead freshman year, especially if you’re diversity because timelines are so accelerated. Number one thing would be to join your school’s investment fund and/or IB prep club; having that support from upperclassmen will be invaluable. Feel free to pm, there’s some things I’d recommend to get up to speed technically that’ll save you a lot of heartache and frustration.
Work your a off to transfer to target
I will. Do you think transferring to a Target for Junior year would be too late? I'm not too sure if I can transfer for a sophomore year but I will try my hardest.
Honestly don't bother. Even soph year is tough to quickly turn around and recruit, and most people have to take an extra year for a real shot at recruiting. Junior year is 1000% too late.
Not to mention transferring takes a massive amount of effort and the target schools have close to zero transfer spots open. Use that time and effort to get early internships and network, you'll be fine
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