Need to get into IB before leaving Uni

I have a summer internship at the FCA. But, I need to get into IB, either IBD or equity research. What are my options going forward? I was planning to reapply to summer internships in my final year and a few ib grad schemes using my FCA experience as the core to everything. I also have a few uni committee positions and on track for a 2.1 (not a first unfortunately). What else could I do and does the fact I don't have an investment banking in my second year drag my chances and what could I do to tally this (if thats a possibility)? I appreciate any tips or comments

10 Comments
 

Masters is an option, which means you will be a penultimate-year student again next year. 

Lots of IB recruit third years for SA positions, not that much of a big deal. A few don't such as BoA I believe but there as just as many that do than don't. 

 

I was thinking of this route too but I won't be able to afford it. Ig it's best to just reapply to summer internships at firms that allow final years, and hope for the best.

 

Most are still open to third years so it's not that big of a deal. 

Knew a lot of people in similar positions and worked out for pretty much all of them. 

Just sweat out applications when they open next year and you'll be fine. 

 
Most Helpful

Firstly, you need to change your attitude a bit and widen your range. You don't need to get into IB, you want to. Change that mindset first so you don't delude yourself into thinking you're entitled to a position - mostly no one is in IB because they "deserve" it or whatever, it's just a numbers game. 

Your FCA internship is ok, use it to apply for internships next year, not graduate schemes. You will not be competitive for any graduate IB scheme, because those available seats are so few and always go to people with IB experience who want to trade banks (someone going from NatWest Markets to JPM, for example). 

Not having an investment banking internship in your second year won't affect your chances of landing an internship in your final year. 

 

That makes so much sense. I will defo apply for internships again and see how that goes. Cheers mate, appreciate it!

 

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