Chances of a state school guy landing a job at GS in this economy?

Like you said, just concentrate on getting an interview. Nothing anyone says here regarding your 'chances' is going to help you. Only thing that could happen is you get discouraged by low estimates--nobody is a lock right now. If you are that confident in your interviewing skills your only task should be to network your butt off with as many people as possible--whatever it takes to get that interview. Best of luck.

I don't know how helpful this is, but I go to a state school (IU), and GS recruited here last year. They recruited for NY IBD and S&T (but didn't take many, maybe 1-5), and GSAM in Chicago (recruited more heavily for this group).

Probably depends what state school, and what division/location you're looking at.

i think you should definitely have a good chance (non-zero)

good luck =)

Decent chance, especially if you don't limit yourself to a front office role.

I had a guy who was at Merrill in London once tell me he actually prefers hiring ex-military guys for his team. He is now at a UK-listed hedge fund and has done very well.

I would definitely do as noexplode has suggested and find anybody out there who is also ex-military and call them up and ask for help. Great advice.

Thanks!

I was going to say -10% until I read about your military and entrepreneurial experience. These certainly give you something.

The problem with the big state schools (not named Michigan, Virginia, Texas and Berkeley) are:

1. The lack of recruitment
2. The perception that you took too much time to get serious about your education
3. The perception that everything at big state schools is extremely easy and that a 4.0 there is worth 1.5 at anywhere "decent."

In my opinion, there are a few ways that you can overcome the realities and perceptions that come with a big state school:

1. Network, network, network - You'll probably need to have 500-1000 good contacts on The Street to maximize your chances. Focus on ex-military bankers first, and get as many referrals as possible.
2. Transfer to a target/semi-target and network less - This option requires a lot, because you have to apply to top schools, accept the fact that you'll get denied at a lot of places you apply to because you go to a big state school and potentially pay a lot of money if you get accepted. Targets and semi-targets have supreme alumni networks and campus recruiting opportunities.
3. Focus on the bulge bracket after graduate school - You could network your way into a local boutique with your credentials. If you can't get something in investment banking, private equity is a great route as well. M&A consulting and/or M&A law are alternative options. Once you gain a couple of years of experience and pad your resume, you can apply to the top 5-10 MBA programs. Supposing you get to one of those places, you'll have a great chance of working your way into a BB.

500-1000 good contacts???

I barely have 20...FML

Lazyeye,

Can we ask your age? Not sure when you did your 4 years time, so are you graduating a bit later? Just curious, as I'm in a somewhat similar position, thanks.

LOL @ "You'll probably need to have 500-1000 good contacts"