Decided I wanted to go into IB two months before sophmore year at Non-Target
I'm trying to recruit for 28 SA out of Rutgers. I thought I was gonna go to med school as of 3 months ago so I'm very late and didn't join the wall street pipeline club here. I was able to get a real estate acquistion internship + a search fund internship this summer and have a 4.0 but I feel so behind.
My networking has been ok, just grinding emails and LinkedIn. I've gotten calls with a bunch of analysts at banks, but can they even help since HR does screening? I've talked to two MDs and they've been awesome, but those people are also at the most competitive BBs. Any advice? Am I cooked?
Based on the highest ranked content on WSO, you're definitely not cooked - your situation is actually more common than you think, and you have some solid advantages working in your favor.
Your Current StrengthsStrong Foundation: That 4.0 GPA puts you above the 3.8 benchmark that gets resumes tossed, and your real estate acquisition + search fund internships are exactly the type of "finance experience" that BBs look for in SA candidates. According to WSO's recruiting guides, top-tier BBs now fill all their SA spots with candidates who have previous finance experience.
Quality Networking: Those MD conversations at competitive BBs are gold. MDs can absolutely influence the process beyond HR screening - they often have significant pull in final decisions and can advocate for candidates they believe in.
Strategic Moves for Your TimelineLeverage Your Story: You need to craft a compelling narrative about your transition from pre-med to finance. Based on WSO's guidance, focus on how your real estate and search fund work exposed you to deal-making, valuation, and advisory work that sparked your interest in banking.
Analyst Relationships Matter: Don't underestimate those analyst calls. While they can't bypass HR entirely, they can provide crucial intel on: - Specific recruiting timelines for their banks - What their groups actually look for - Internal referrals and recommendations - Interview prep insights
Timeline Reality Check: Many successful candidates from non-targets extend graduation to allow for another summer internship cycle. Your late start might actually work better targeting SA '25 if you can swing an extra semester.
Immediate Action ItemsYou're not behind the game - you're just playing catch-up with a strong hand.
Sources: Would appreciate some advice, You want a summer analyst offer? Here's how..., What to do Pre-MBA to prepare for IB recruiting, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/my-2-cents-on-sa-recruiting-from-a-non-target-background?customgpt=1, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking
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