Is it completely over for me ?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

Stepping-Stone Careers into Investment Banking

1. Transaction Advisory Services (TAS)

   • Prospects: Given your experience as a credit analyst and in business development, TAS could be a strong fit. Your analytical skills and understanding of financial products will be valuable here.
   • Pathway: TAS roles often involve due diligence and financial analysis, which are directly relevant to investment banking. This experience can make you a competitive candidate for IB roles later on.

2. Corporate Finance at Big 4

   • Prospects: Your background in credit analysis and business development aligns well with corporate finance roles. These positions often involve financial modeling, valuation, and advisory services.
   • Pathway: Big 4 firms have strong reputations and extensive networks, which can be leveraged to transition into investment banking. Experience here can provide a solid foundation in financial analysis and client advisory.

3. Boutique M&A

   • Prospects: Your internships and placement experience can be appealing to boutique M&A firms, which often value diverse backgrounds and hands-on experience.
   • Pathway: Working at a boutique M&A firm can offer direct exposure to deal-making and client interactions, which are crucial for a future in investment banking. The smaller team environment can also provide more responsibility and learning opportunities.

Additional Advice

• Networking: Leverage your alumni network and industry connections. Attend industry events, join relevant professional groups, and reach out to professionals on LinkedIn.
• Skill Development: Continue to build your technical skills, particularly in financial modeling and valuation. Consider taking additional courses or certifications if needed.
• Persistence: Breaking into investment banking from a non-target school is challenging but not impossible. Stay persistent, keep refining your resume, and prepare thoroughly for interviews.

Similar Experiences

• Non-Target Success Stories: Many individuals from non-target schools have successfully transitioned into investment banking by starting in roles like TAS, corporate finance, or boutique M&A. Their success often hinges on leveraging their initial roles to build relevant skills and networks.

By focusing on these stepping-stone careers and continuously building your skills and network, you can enhance your prospects of eventually breaking into investment banking. Keep your ultimate goal in sight and remain adaptable in your approach.

Sources: Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Received offers from all three MBB firms and don't know what to do, Choose Between Two Offers (BB/MBB) - Looking for Advice, Advice on career and the switch into investment banking, How to get into Investment Banking from complete non-target