Dilemmic Nature of SA2028 Recruiting & School

Balancing academics and recruiting can be a tightrope walk, but here's what you need to know based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Handling Class Participation and Responsiveness

• Skipping Classes for Networking: It's not uncommon for students to skip classes for networking trips or coffee chats, especially when targeting IB, PE, or Growth roles. However, since your classes have participation grades and a no-cell-phone policy, you’ll need to be strategic. Missing up to 4 classes might be manageable, but ensure it doesn’t jeopardize your grades or relationships with professors.
• Alternative Strategies:
  • Schedule Around Classes: Bankers are often flexible with timing. If your last class ends at 12:30 pm, you can send availability for calls or chats in the afternoon. Most professionals understand that students have academic commitments.
  • Leverage Email Responsiveness: If you can’t respond immediately during class, ensure you follow up promptly afterward. A slight delay is better than risking your participation grade.
  • In-Person Networking: If possible, plan networking trips during breaks or weekends to maximize face time with bankers without disrupting your class schedule.

2. Recruiting Intensity and Time Commitment

Recruiting for IB, PE, or Growth roles is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and time investment: - Networking: This is the most critical aspect. Expect to conduct 100+ informational interviews, with around 10-12 per bank. This could mean sending 8-10 emails per week and dedicating 10-15 hours weekly to networking. - Technical Prep: Spend 20-30 minutes daily on technicals. Consistency is key here, as small, regular efforts snowball into mastery. - Mock Interviews: Allocate 2-3 hours weekly for mock interviews, focusing on both technical and behavioral questions. - Email Drafting and Follow-Ups: Drafting personalized emails and follow-ups can take 2-3 hours weekly. - Overall Time Commitment: You’re looking at 15-20 hours per week for recruiting activities, on top of your academic workload.

3. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA

• Lighten Your Load: If possible, consider taking lighter classes in future semesters to balance recruiting and academics. This is a common strategy among students targeting competitive roles.
• Time Management: Set clear action goals, such as dedicating specific blocks of time daily to recruiting tasks. For example, spend 30 minutes each evening on emails or technical prep instead of stressing without action.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting is intense, but it’s manageable with proper planning. Prioritize networking and technical prep while maintaining your GPA. Missing a few classes for critical networking opportunities is fine, but don’t let it become a habit that impacts your academic performance.

Sources: 10 Commandments of IB Recruiting, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/m7-ib-associate-full-time-recruiting?customgpt=1, Dealing with elitism while networking, Q&A: Incoming IB analyst – international student, survived FT recruiting twice…, 10 Commandments of IB Recruiting