FT 26 recruitment advice
Hello WSO,
Looking for advice for going about FT 26 recruiting. I'm a junior econ major at a target (Cornell) looking for IB roles. My resume consists of 3.5 GPA, WSP-type credentials and certificates, membership in a finance club (I probably can't join e-board), and treasurer role in an unrelated club. I have internship experience doing family-connected RE jobs in Florida (acquisitions, investment sales) and that's probably where I'll be summer 25. My goal however, is to be in NYC doing IB out of college.
I fumbled SA 25 recruiting. I applied to ~100 IB jobs and received Hirevues at most places that do them and a few phone screenings (Wells Fargo and Houlihan Lokey) but didn't get a real interview from anywhere. I think this is mainly the fault of my GPA, which I hope to increase to a 3.7 by the time I graduate, although it won't be that high when I'm FT recruiting as a senior.
I'm looking for strategies to pursue full-time 2026 opportunities. I plan to apply for 500+ positions, really anything I can find. I think my lack of connections in NYC means I'm better positioned for (marginally) less competitive BBs like Citi, BofA, and Wells Fargo than the many boutiques? I'm also considering expanding my search to other roles like asset management, sales & trading, wealth management, and real estate roles. Although these roles don't fit my ambition, I'm willing and ready to lateral. Any advice is appreciated.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a strategy to maximize your chances for FT 2026 recruiting:
Boost Your GPA: While a 3.5 is respectable, a 3.7+ is often the threshold for competitive IB roles. Focus on improving your GPA as much as possible before FT recruiting begins. Highlight any upward trend in your academic performance on your resume.
Leverage Your Cornell Network: Cornell is a target school, and alumni connections are invaluable. Reach out to alumni in IB roles through LinkedIn or your school’s alumni database. Set up informational interviews to build relationships and gain insights into their firms' recruiting processes.
Refine Your Resume and Story: Your family-connected RE experience is relevant, but you need to frame it in a way that highlights transferable skills like financial modeling, deal analysis, and client interaction. Make sure your resume is polished and tailored for IB roles.
Expand Networking Efforts: Networking is critical, especially since you mentioned a lack of NYC connections. Attend finance club events, career fairs, and any IB-related workshops. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals at BBs, MMs, and boutiques. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just asking for referrals.
Target Regional and Smaller Firms: While NYC is your goal, consider applying to regional offices or smaller boutiques where competition might be less intense. These roles can serve as a stepping stone to NYC IB positions later.
Prepare for Interviews: Since you received Hirevues and phone screenings during SA recruiting, focus on improving your interview skills. Practice technical and behavioral questions extensively. Use resources like the 300 IB technical guide and mock interviews to ensure you're ready.
Broaden Your Search: Expanding to roles like asset management, S&T, and wealth management is a smart move. These roles can provide valuable experience and a pathway to lateral into IB later. However, prioritize IB applications first.
Apply Strategically: Applying to 500+ positions is ambitious but ensure quality over quantity. Tailor your applications to each firm, emphasizing why you're a good fit for their culture and team.
Utilize Your Summer 2025 Internship: Even if it’s family-connected, treat it as an opportunity to build skills and network. Seek out projects that align with IB work, such as financial modeling or market analysis, and ask for recommendations from supervisors.
Consider a Master’s Program: If FT recruiting doesn’t yield results, a top Master of Finance program could be a viable option to rebrand and re-enter the recruiting process with a stronger profile.
Persistence and strategic networking will be key to your success. Good luck!
Sources: Review of Investment Banking Recruiting at Cornell Johnson, Review of Investment Banking Recruiting at Cornell Johnson, 2019 Investment Banking Full Time Recruiting - Do I Have a Chance?, How can I become successful from a no-name school?, Miserable in consulting, how to improve situation?
bump. in the same boat unfortunately.
I’m a year ahead of you, but had a very similar situation. I missed Summer 24 recruiting and didn’t get an IB related internship. If you really want to do IB, there are still ways to break in.
I was a non target applicant (SEC school) with no prior IB experience, and 3.5+ GPA applicant. I got absolutely nowhere with any online application via handshake or direct apps to larger banks (as expected), with the exception of one that takes a kids from my school.
I mainly relied on networking with connections I already had / cold emailing bankers to set up coffee chats and interviews during my recruitment process. I looked mainly for regional boutiques or smaller MM banks to try and network with bankers at. I used spreadsheets that contained large numbers of banks or chat gpt to find the names of banks, and used their website to look through their team page and see if I had any minor connection to any member. I would ask for a quick coffee chat via email after and hope for the best.
Most people don’t respond or say they aren’t hiring any analysts externally, but you are bound to get some replies if you send enough emails.
In my experience, opportunities to get interviews were very scarce, so make sure you’re very well prepared for technicals, Why IB, and why this firm questions.
I ultimately didn’t get a job in IB, but that came from being underprepared for the opportunities I got, and letting up on my networking emails. I hope this helps and best of luck with your recruiting!
I just finished FT 25 recruiting and was able to get an offer at MM firm. In terms of FT 26 recruiting, I would say it really picks up in August before your senior year (August 26 for you) when there are a lot of openings due to kids either not getting offers or not taking them for whatever reason. In the meantime, I would say get an internship for this year asap so you have that locked in. I would say try to get one not family related where you have a chance at a return offer. Focus on doing really well and keeping track of everything you do so that when you do apply for FT roles next August, you can speak in depth about it and how it connects to IB, even if it is not an IB internship.
IMO there's not much you can do in the meantime between now and August 2026 but send a PM if you have any other questions about FT recruiting. Good luck!
Hey, I was wondering if I could also shoot you a PM since I'm in a very similar boat. thanks!
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