So, as far as I understand, "recruiting season" consists of BBs and boutiques posting openings online and then going to target schools trying to fill them. Interviews are conducted mid-Fall, and openings are filled by the end of the year. Am I missing anything?
I'm a recent graduate living in NYC. How can I jump onto the recruiting cycle? I'm definitely going to apply online, but I can't imagine that being very productive. I've been thinking about sneaking to info sessions at Columbia and NYU (maybe also Baruch?) Is this a good idea, and has anyone had any experience? Is it hard to get into these sessions?
As far as cold-calling/cold-emailing, does it just tend to be more successful in the Fall since firms are hiring? Also, how do I use my contacts around this time? Should I go with the typical "as the recruiting season is about to start, I was wondering how I can best position myself for an interview?"
Any help would be appreciated.
also interested
They'll catch you at Columbia. It's in Lerner Hall and you'll need an ID.
Specifically, I'd avoid the term "wondering."
Broadly, you're not in a completely hopeless situation, but you'll need to bust you ass. Learn everything you can as fast as you can. I would say you should sneak into info sessions, at least at NYU, and probably at Columbia. There is a significant potential downside here: e.g., the guy you talk to is a Columbia alum, and ends up pissed that you went into this private event. That said, you need to meet as many people as possible, because you stand zero chance of success via the careers websites.
What does your resume look like? If you successfully connect with someone, he will ask for a copy. Do you have finance experience? If you don't, you are in a tight spot, however I would suggest you walk into a Merrill branch and tell them you will work for free and you're a go-getter.
Re cold calling: start now. It is always a great time to build your network. Timing is irrelevant, except insofar as the longer you've had a contact, the more likely you are to have built a rapport, the more likely he will give you a hand.
But the takeaway is absolutely meet as many bankers as possible, however you can, while in parallel learning as much as you can. They have to admire your moxie, and you cannot come off as some guy who decided to "break into banking" because he graduated and then realized he has no plan.
Of note, I had the opportunity once to chat with the M&A chairman of a bulge-bracket bank. Probably the nicest, most thoughtful guy I've ever met. The most valuable thing he ever told me: "there is more than one way to skin a cat." On one hand, this does speak to your atypical situation - it is possible that you will be successful. On the other, it speaks to how you might want to think about your long term plan - throw everything into this FT cycle, but if banking is everything you want in the world, think about how you can set yourself up long-term. By this, I mean jobs that will get you into b-school, and which lend themselves to similar types of work.
Good luck.
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