In case I get no offer, what should I do?

bg: Cam math(BA, top 10 in exams for two years)+Oxford mcf (MSc)

interned at Capula last year

gold medal in CGMO (high school math competition)

I know that my CV somewhat looks nice to recruiters and I have several interviews going on. But, there are not so many openning in hedge funds and sell-side quant. And usually hedge funds have super long interview process. Banks are even harder to understand. For example, I never passed the OT of UBS. So I still think I am likely to get no offer or get unsatisfactory offer. In this case, what do you guys suggest?

A. apply for another year and keep applying for internships in this year. A problem is that there is not so many positions to apply, and I need to consider potential hiring freeze. 

B. try other career path? But actually I feel my biggest weakness is in programming. So it is a long way to go if I would move to software engineering etc. And it is not a good idea to consider less quantitative role (Because actually I moved to quant after I found it impossible to get into IB or consulting )

C. go back to China to teach people how to get into a top university. (well, I even have an offer from Peking university, so hopefully they will be convinced about my exam-oriented skills) But this job looks so boring.

D. another master's program? This will be expensive and I really doubt if it would work.

F. go for a phd? This might be difficult and risky, I didn't have any summer research experience etc. And I wouldn't say I am passionate about scientific research.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some suggestions for your situation:

  1. Apply for Another Year and Keep Applying for Internships:

    • This is a viable option, especially if you can leverage your existing network and continue to build connections. However, be mindful of potential hiring freezes and the limited number of positions available.
  2. Try Other Career Paths:

    • If programming is your weakness, consider improving your skills through online courses or bootcamps. Transitioning to software engineering might be challenging but not impossible. Alternatively, you could explore roles that are less quantitative but still within the finance sector, such as risk management or financial analysis.
  3. Go Back to China to Teach:

    • Teaching at a prestigious institution like Peking University could be a rewarding experience, even if it seems boring. It could also provide you with a stable job while you continue to explore other opportunities.
  4. Another Master's Program:

    • Pursuing another master's degree could be expensive and may not necessarily improve your chances significantly. It's important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully.
  5. Go for a PhD:

    • A PhD is a long-term commitment and can be risky if you're not passionate about research. However, it could open doors to academic and high-level research positions.

Additional Advice: - Networking: Continue to network aggressively. Sometimes opportunities arise from connections rather than formal applications. - Backup Plans: Consider roles in Big Four firms, boutique banks, or specialized finance roles as a backup. These positions can provide valuable experience and a platform to transition into your desired role later. - Mental Health: Ensure you take care of your mental health during this stressful period. It's important to stay positive and resilient.

Remember, many successful professionals have faced similar challenges and found their way into their desired careers through persistence and adaptability. Good luck!

Sources: If I don't get a banking offer, what's the next best thing?, On the off chance Investment Banking doesn't work out for me, What to do if you don't get an offer in the age of COVID?, JP Morgan Officially about to Cancel Summer Internships and Freeze Hiring, JP Morgan Officially about to Cancel Summer Internships and Freeze Hiring

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

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