Changing Grad-Date to Re-recruit?

I'm a junior at a semi-target, and I'm thinking about recruiting for banking by pushing my grad date back a semester (to reclass into the sophomore class). My interest in banking came later than others. I have a good resume with strong mix of finance/consulting internships and clubs – but more consulting focused. I'm worried alumni may be hesitant to push me for network-driven processes bc I'm a junior. 

I also have already signed a corporate strategy summer internship for 2025. Should I focus on Summer 2025 and full time re-recruiting or full send Summer 2026 for banking?

7 Comments
 

I think you should do it, but make sure you have a reason outside of “I just missed the ball on IB” recruiting. Implicitly it will be clear to them, but maybe take on another easy major (like psych, history) to try to say my degree will also take longer bc I decided to do this late.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Reclassifying to Sophomore:

    • Pros: Reclassifying to the sophomore class can give you more time to build a stronger finance-focused resume and network. It can also align you better with the typical recruiting timeline for banking internships.
    • Cons: This might delay your graduation and could be seen as a strategic move by some recruiters, which may or may not be viewed favorably.
  2. Current Internship and Full-Time Recruiting:

    • Corporate Strategy Internship for 2025: Since you already have a corporate strategy internship lined up for 2025, it would be beneficial to leverage this experience to build your resume and network further.
    • Full-Time Recruiting: Focus on excelling in your current internship and use it as a stepping stone for full-time recruiting. Networking and performing well in your current role can open doors for full-time positions in banking.
  3. Summer 2026 Banking Internship:

    • If you decide to push your graduation date and reclassify, targeting a Summer 2026 banking internship could be a strategic move. This would give you additional time to network, gain relevant experience, and prepare for the rigorous recruiting process.
  4. Networking:

    • Start Early: Begin networking as soon as possible. Reach out to alumni and professionals in the industry to build relationships and gain insights.
    • Leverage Your Current Experience: Highlight your consulting and corporate strategy experience to show your diverse skill set and interest in finance.
  5. Recruiting Timeline:

    • Full-Time Recruiting: According to previous WSO threads, full-time recruiting can start as early as the end of July and continue through August. Ensure you are prepared and have your resume and technical skills polished.

In summary, if you are committed to a career in banking, reclassifying to target a Summer 2026 internship could be beneficial. However, make sure to leverage your current internship and network extensively to maximize your chances.

Sources: 2022 INVESTMENT BANKING FULL-TIME RECRUITING THREAD, My FT Recruiting Process, How to Approach 2020 SA Recruiting as a Junior Transfer to a Target, Full Time Recruiting outlook for 2021, Re-recruiting for full time senior year

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I’d reclass in the blink of an eye. I went from no internship offers to tons after doing this. It’s a competitive market and more experience is necessary to stand out. Just say you switched from a math major to a finance major and had to take an extra semester to finishing your major classes, no one asked me about this at all and I graduated in December

 

Doing SA recruiting instead of FT recruiting will be much more doable, especially given the market

 

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