No return offer, feeling lost.
Just finished up a summer at a MM firm and didn't get the return. I feel extremely disappointed, especially because there were moments when I know I could've tried harder. Not sure where to go from here... has anyone been in a similar position? Once I'm over the shellshock, I'm probably going to apply anywhere that has apps available. My understanding is that most BBs/PE shops have already closed apps.
Shellshock, did you have the feeling that you weren't going to get it?
I've seen cases where the same point that dings someone from receiving an offer is overlooked for someone else under the guise of them being teachable, likable, etc., or giving them the benefit of the doubt that they'll learn on the job later. Given this, the reality is that even if you tried harder in those moments, you could've very well still not gotten the return offer for a number of reasons outside of your control.
Because of that, as difficult as it will be the first few weeks - even months following, try your best not to beat yourself up about it, as it won't change the outcome. What is now in your control is reflecting with the goal of improving. You want to eliminate as many glaring issues as possible to make it as difficult as possible for someone to not give you an offer in the future. If you were given feedback, that is helpful. But a reason for not receiving an offer is not always given. So if there were points you feel you could've demonstrated better efforts at - for example, specific skills or technical knowledge - work on those.
If you're graduating in 2025, definitely start applying early to ensure you have a job lined up, as the process can take longer than expected. If you want to apply for IB roles, definitely keep searching for those as well, or there are other routes you can take to get to IB if you don't land a role directly:
- If you're looking to lateral in the future to IB - find adjacent roles that you may have seen people jump to IB from using LinkedIn, like corporate banking, commercial banking, credit, transaction advisory services, etc.
- If you're looking to go the MBA to IB route, I've seen people go from a broad variety of roles from anything like teaching to audit. If you want to do IB in a certain sector, it can be helpful to land a role in that area so that you have some background in it during MBA recruiting.
If you decide you don't want to do IB, cast a wide net for roles, as new roles are being added daily for upcoming grads. I recommend setting up LinkedIn job alerts or using other industry-specific websites like APM List, etc., to stay up-to-date on roles as soon as they open.
Whatever route you decide, keep your head up! You will definitely land a role, and your goals are still within reach, even if you have to take a route different from the one you thought to get there.
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