How go get in IB in Europe

Non-target, 3.5 GPA, and I want to go into Investment Banking. The problem is that WSO is extremely US-focused and so is their advice. It seems that the only way to make it a non-target is through networking, but this doesn't seem the case in the UK or other European countries. So my question is how do you make it in IB if you are in Europe with a hella non-target?

5 Comments
 

Networking. If you filter the treads by UK/EU you'll find your answers..

 

I'll play devils advocate, networking is pretty pointless for internships in London, not sure about continental europe. I.E. Barclays analysts have no input on the recruiting process compared to their influence for analyst roles till you get actually in the interview process. And if they can have some influence it will not guarantee a first round interview. You just need to have a solid CV & experiences to offset it & ace the tests. But in any case you miss all the shots you don't take.

 

Networking just isn't true for the vast majority of cases? At least not for graduate or internship applications... You just apply, send off your CV, do the tests, and then HR reviews your application. In EMEA, it's HR that has the biggest sway in who is put forward to interview and who isn't. This is exactly the process that Citi used btw (told so by the Analyst who interviewed me):

1. Application

2. Tests

3. If passed, then HR reviews CV's and shortlists CV's for interview (at this stage there were maybe 10 or 15 CV's out of 200+ applicants)

4. Team will shortlist further down to 10 to interview

5. Afterwards, further shortlist down to final 4 that will go to final round interview/Assessment Centre

6. Offer to successful candidates

There were some extreme non-targets but had relevant experience who were on the internship with me (non-Russell Group university, ex-polytechnic). The recruiting process is NOT like America. It is true that I have been fast-tracked to AC at another American BB, but that's only because we mother knew an Executive Director of that team / Head of something or other. In most cases, referrals below don't end up anywhere. Networking is primarily used to build up knowledge of the firm that you can use in interviews.

 

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