I need some advice…

Hello everyone. I am an incoming freshman at a non-target SEC school. For context, I had a perfect GPA/ACT in high school, and I chose the school because I was offered a full ride (I will get paid to attend) and cannot afford the more prestigious schools I was admitted to. I want to recruit for IB but preferably in the south. I also want to target the handful of middle market and boutique firms in my city.

What should I be doing to maximize my chances of recruiting?

This fall I intend to join the student investment fund as well as the club for high finance/investment banking. Surprisingly these organizations have a decent track record of placements into IB.

I also will start networking with alumni and local firms for information and to get insight into the recruiting process and build some rapport.

I also have had a retail job for the past few years where I am a team leader and supervisor. I will be able to transfer to the location near campus. What are your thoughts on keeping this job around? I think it shows good operational skills and ability to work long hours (I worked nearly full time hours throughout high school but plan to cut them in college). It’s also nice to have an income.

I’m also studying technicals and finance in general on my own. It’s been very enjoyable and I’ve learned a lot so far.

Is there anything else I need to consider? I definitely plan to get a 4.0 and call everywhere I can think of to get a finance internship next summer. I imagine I need to wait until first semester’s grades are in before asking about positions? I will also be jumping straight into business courses due to AP/CLEP credits.