Having Trouble With First Rounds

Hi guys, as the title suggests I'm having trouble getting first rounds. I'm currently at a non-HYP Ivy, 4.0 GPA, 3 relevant finance internships in PE/VC/HF, and involvement in on-campus finance clubs. I'm also ex-foreign military. 

I network with 2-4 people at every firm, but the only 3 interviews I've gotten a look from is where I've had a warm connection (introduced to MD by mutual connection). 

Am I not talking to enough people? I asked a close mentor if I come across as "odd" (too aggressive, too eager..etc) but apparently, that is not an issue. Wondering what I can do better.  

8 Comments
 

That could be part of the problem, I know some international kids that faced significant challenges because of it. Have you made sure to ask about each bank's policies on international hires before applying? I know someone who networked at one firm for months in advance, was personally close with an MD and was told by HR when interviews rolled around that they had decided not to take any internationals that year. A lot of banks simply don't want to have to deal with work sponsorships and visas and will reject you automatically if you indicate that you might need it. Lots of dumb HR/compliance policies beyond your control so it might not necessarily be because you did anything wrong 

 
Most Helpful

Labore odio aut veniam ea quod dolorum amet. Quaerat perspiciatis animi perferendis quibusdam officiis.

Rem dolorem similique nostrum exercitationem et ab suscipit. In ratione architecto aliquam sed sequi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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

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...”