No SA. What alternatives would be best? Help

Hi everyone. After not getting summer internships what are the best alternative routes into IB? I'm in the process of applying to some grad schemes (about to begin final year of uni) hence why I'm writing this post. I've contemplated two routes: 1. Get a job straight from uni, get CFA then maybe do a MSc down the line 2. Go for MSc, try again for summer intern, then go for grad scheme, CFA, etc Although I didn't obtain a summer internship that could launch me into a full role. I have previously spent a month interning in a well established PE house, a week at an AM and a week here or there at other institutions. To clarify, these previous internships were purely for experience, there was no return offer available. I'm also learning more on machine learning and financial modelling to increase my skills. Have any of you been in similar positions before? Any advice on what to do?

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Hey! I totally get the struggle with not landing a summer internship in IB. You're already on the right track with the experience you've gained from those internships at PE, AM, and other institutions – they'll still be valuable on your resume.

For alternative routes, both options you mentioned could work. Going for a job straight from uni, getting the CFA, and possibly doing an MSc later can be a good way to build your foundation while gaining work experience. On the other hand, pursuing an MSc first and then trying again for a summer internship might give you an extra edge and more networking opportunities.

Keep focusing on expanding your skills like machine learning and financial modeling – those are becoming more relevant in the finance industry.

 

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