Ethnicity Self Identification

Hi all,

I am currently in the application process for student programs and was curious about the self-identification part of the applications. Specifically, as a non-minority, I am aware that recruiting may be more difficult considering many firms' push for increasing diversity in the workplace. Because of this, I was wondering if anyone knew if choosing not to self-identify or identifying as "two or more races" would improve my odds of moving on to the next round.

Thanks.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's important to approach the self-identification section of applications with honesty and integrity. While it's true that many firms are actively working to increase diversity within their ranks, attempting to game the system by misrepresenting your background is not advisable. Here are a few points to consider:

  • Ethical Considerations: Misrepresenting your ethnicity is unethical and can have serious repercussions if discovered. It's important to be truthful in all aspects of your application.

  • Long-Term Implications: Even if misrepresentation were to help in the short term, it could lead to complications or challenges in your career down the line.

  • Merit-Based Evaluation: Many firms strive to ensure that all candidates are evaluated on their merits. While diversity initiatives exist, they are part of a broader effort to level the playing field, not to exclude well-qualified candidates from non-minority backgrounds.

  • Focus on Your Strengths: Instead of worrying about how self-identification might impact your application, concentrate on highlighting your skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you a strong candidate.

Remember, the goal of diversity programs is to foster an inclusive environment that values different perspectives, not to disadvantage anyone. It's best to focus on what you can control, such as your preparation for interviews, networking efforts, and technical skills, to improve your chances in the recruiting process.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/any-front-office-african-americans-in-ib?customgpt=1, Quit Blaming Diversity Programs/Racism for you sucking..., Is diversity recruiting fair?, Quit Blaming Diversity Programs/Racism for you sucking..., Faking Diversity Transparency

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

Molestiae ut cum est est. Sunt nostrum dolorem deserunt laudantium. Sequi laboriosam quis ipsam blanditiis.

Et et delectus et magni velit consequatur suscipit. Esse explicabo aliquid a a aspernatur. Mollitia dolor aut ut suscipit similique adipisci aut. Nostrum quia quo itaque id. A ab facilis distinctio voluptatum minus quod est.

Blanditiis consequatur tenetur et illo laboriosam aspernatur. Tempore quis voluptas vel velit iste. Omnis est alias aut a veritatis quae ut. Voluptatem voluptatum rerum adipisci voluptatibus cupiditate a qui sunt.

Sint modi consequatur fugiat corporis voluptas velit et. Quae deleniti exercitationem voluptatem deleniti inventore tempora. Officiis voluptates excepturi qui tempora atque.

buy the ticket, take the ride

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”