Recruiting IB / Equity Research in Chicago as a senior from an AM summer role?

I’m currently slated for a summer analyst role within investment management at a large global financial institution (institutional AM with exposure to PMs / research — not pure ops). I’ll be returning to school in the fall as a senior, studying economics at a large Midwestern target school (not in the business school).

I’m interested in recruiting for investment banking or equity research, ideally in Chicago, since my family will be based there and I’d like to be in that market full-time after graduation.

I know being a senior changes the dynamics, so I’m trying to understand:

  • how realistic IB vs. ER is from this background
  • which Chicago firms are most open to senior-year or off-cycle hiring
  • how much networking matters relative to formal recruiting at this stage

For anyone who’s made a similar move or recruits in Chicago:
What would you prioritize right now to maximize odds? Networking approach, technical prep, modeling, certifications, etc.

If you think I'm screwed and should probably just look for more AM roles, be honest too.

Appreciate any advice.

1 Comments
 

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