College Rising Junior in Need of Direction
I just finished up my Sophomore year going through recruiting for Junior SA positions. Only landed 1 IB interview and didn’t move past 1st round. After applying just about everywhere, landed 3 other interviews total for S&T, PE, and AM where I thought I killed them, but unfortunately didn’t end up getting an offer. I’m in need of direction and don’t really know what I want to do at this point. For context, I’m a Student Athlete studying Finance at a “target” school with a 3.6 GPA. I did an M&A and PE program this past spring and I’m interning at a Search Fund this upcoming summer. Going into recruiting, I had no idea how competitive it was and got completely humbled. At this point, I just want a good job in NYC that won’t make me miserable (that may be oxymoronic). Because it’s already a little late in the recruiting cycle, not sure what to apply for. Any guidance would be much appreciated !
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know to navigate your current situation:
Leverage Your Current Internship: Since you're interning at a Search Fund this summer, focus on gaining as much experience and making as many connections as possible. This could open doors for future opportunities, either directly or through referrals.
Networking is Key: Given your status as a student athlete at a target school, you likely have access to a strong alumni network. Utilize this network extensively. Reach out to alumni working in industries of your interest, particularly those based in NYC. Networking can often lead to opportunities that aren't advertised publicly.
Consider Broadening Your Scope: While you've focused on IB, S&T, PE, and AM, consider other roles in finance that might be less competitive but still fulfilling. Roles in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), or even venture capital could be less stressful yet still leverage your skills and education.
Prepare for the Next Recruiting Cycle: If the current cycle is proving difficult, start preparing for the next. Enhance your resume with your upcoming internship experience, refine your interview skills, and maybe even consider getting a mentor through WSO or another finance community.
Stay Open to Other Locations: While NYC is the finance capital, consider other cities that have strong finance job markets but may be less competitive. Cities like Chicago, San Francisco, or even international finance hubs could offer exciting opportunities.
Maintain a Positive Attitude and Resilience: The finance sector is notoriously competitive, and many face rejections before landing their ideal role. Keep learning from each experience, seek feedback where possible, and maintain your mental and physical health.
Remember, every experience is a stepping stone. Use this time to build your skills, network, and understand more deeply what drives your passion in finance.
Sources: Advise needed, What was your approach preparing for technicals? Could use some guidance., I need your advice, Need Guidance from WSO, ADVICE NEEDED (PLEASE)
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Add a minor, figure out where you made wrong moves, land a feeder soph internship, and then crush SA2026 recruiting
Correction, I’m a rising Junior. My soph summer internship is at a Search Fund. I did not network enough throughout recruiting because of how busy I was juggling school and football. Could you let me know what industries you would look at if you were in my shoes?
If you can’t get investment banking interviews, you can do corporate/commercial banking or accounting and with a little hustle get to a similar end location. With the benefit of going to a target school, lateraling will likely be very manageable for you.
Lastly, I would recommend urgently reaching out to former members of your football team who are now working.
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