Chicago opportunities
wondering if anybody has any insight on SA 2021 opportunities in Chicago or anything similar. I go to a super non target but maintain a 4.0 with honors and was hoping that would at least get me a first round at some places but I’ve applied to Baird, Blair, CS, Gugg, UBS, as well as a few others. Not a single bank has responded and it’s really disheartening and makes me feel quite inadequate. I’m thinking of applying to M&A positions at Walgreens and United once they open up, and maybe apply for a FP&A rotation at McDonald’s HQ in the west loop.
If anyone can give any insight on opportunities/companies in Chicago that I am overlooking it would be much appreciated. I’m feeling really low right now but at the same time trying to stay positive. I have a commercial loans banking internship that I start very soon in the Midwest and I was hoping that experience would help me.
thanks
There are no shortages of opportunities here in Chicago, from BB to single office boutiques. Go on LinkedIn and just search investment banking for Chicago, look at company profiles as well as the people in the industry and create a list of all the banks. From there figure out who might be a good candidate to reach out to, generally someone you might share a common interest. Coming from a non-target you need to network, going through normal HR application channels isn't enough. There are plenty of threads on here about people who have broken in from non-targets so there is an abundance of information on that front. I came from a non-target and was able to make a lateral shift into the industry from a valuation shop after a few years but it took a lot of work and moving past rejection after rejection. To be blunt this is not going to be easy and there will be a lot of non-responses and rejection and it sounds like you may not be able to handle that so you need to ask yourself if this is something your really want to pursue.
Thanks for the response.
I can handle the rejection but it doesn't mean that I don't feel a bit worse with every company that doesn't respond. However, I am trying to stay strong and I keep pushing apps through to different institutions.
I definitely get it, there were times for me after getting multiple rejections within a week where it would get to me but as long as you're able to keep pushing forward you should be good to go. Also, don't wait until recruiting season to start building relationships and reaching out to people, while a lot of the larger firms do stick to a recruiting cycle some of the smaller shops just hire people as they need them and even the bigger firms have off cycle hiring.
It's good to keep your options open but don't allow yourself to get down so easily. Non-target recruiting typically didn't even start until August last year and who knows how COVD is going to affect timelines this year; you could still very much be in the race.
Network where you can to improve your chances of getting a first round and study for interviews so that if a firm gives you the chance, you are prepared to make the most of it. I'd send a few extra apps to F500 companies as a back up but don't spread yourself too thin.
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