Career Advice
Hi guys, seeking career advice as someone who wants to pursue an IB career but may not obtain a FT position this year.
Background: non-target UK 3rd year BSc Economics; no Visa required & only speak English; IB internship in DCM at a BB this summer - no return offer due to headcount; 1 spring insight week at a regional tiny boutique M&A advisory.
Recruited again for SA 2024 - 1 AC and 2 TIs for IB but no traction.
My thoughts are to take a year out to work and then recruit again for SA 2025 on the basis of doing a master’s for 25/26 at a better uni (and hoping recruitment picks up).
Thoughts on this plan, and if so what to recruit for to work during this gap year (ideally finance related)?
Thank you in advance for any advice
Hey there! Based on the most helpful WSO content, your plan seems to be a solid one. Here's why:
Gaining Work Experience: Taking a year out to work can be beneficial as it allows you to gain practical experience, which is highly valued in the finance industry. This could potentially make you a stronger candidate when you reapply for SA 2025.
Pursuing a Master's Degree: Doing a master's at a better university could also enhance your profile. It could provide you with a stronger network and better recruitment opportunities.
Gap Year Opportunities: During your gap year, you could look for roles in smaller boutique banks or MM banks that don't run spring weeks. These banks often have spots on the SA, pay similarly to the BBs, and sometimes have better hours. You could also consider roles in investment consulting or asset management firms.
Remember, networking is key in this industry. So, during your gap year, try to step up your networking game. Reach out to alumni from your university or professionals in the industry for informational interviews. This could help get your CV noticed when you reapply.
Lastly, don't be disheartened if things don't go as planned. The finance industry is highly competitive and it's okay to take a non-traditional path. Keep learning, keep networking, and keep applying. You've got this!
Sources: (London) So you didn’t get any spring weeks, here’s what you need to do:, London Advice on current situation and transition to IBD/S&T, My Four Year Plan, Missed SA 2019 recruiting - delay graduation for SA 2020?
Itaque vel debitis et qui dicta et repudiandae quis. Quis eligendi unde velit. Atque amet fuga mollitia quisquam vel nulla. Consequatur soluta quis qui illo.
Ipsa adipisci ratione et praesentium aliquam. Officiis ut ipsum ratione praesentium voluptas occaecati. Nemo dolor repellendus exercitationem qui et nulla consequuntur.
Ipsam expedita et architecto consequatur eaque. Ea sed sed ut eos qui ut.
Voluptatem ratione saepe ad omnis voluptatem et. Eos sed inventore dolorum maxime debitis sit nostrum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...