SA position before MSF the following year?

UPDATE: I still haven't really found a clear answer to this, I still see people writing opposite advice to one another. This is something I really want to do, but if I'm better off just trying to get a job at a boutique bank or some other non-BB position and just lateraling in I likely won't bother even planning on the Master's.

Hi everyone, I just have a quick question because I've seen conflicting advice on this. Referring specifically to Summer Analyst internship positions, will Investment Banks (BB or top-tier boutiques) let in graduated seniors about to pursue an MsF the following year in the Fall? If one were to network hard is it plausible that you could land an internship then return offer, or are they strict about it being restricted to juniors / people in their penultimate year? I only ask because I've seen people write opposite views on this.

I don't know if one of the policies is unique to the U.S. either, so if anyone could clarify that I'd appreciate it as well. Thanks.

12 Comments
 

I'm just double-checking here, because its very likely what I'm going to shoot for, and I'm trying to figure out whether the people who said the banks are strict about not letting post-graduates in are wrong, or whether this is some sort of region specific thing.

 

Yeah I know some of the people on here have said you can opt out beforehand if you get the position. This is great news though, I was concerned I blew it in terms of time I left but with this it works way better on my timetable.

I think the people I read saying banks don't hire sa's after the junior summer were just wrong, because from what I gather right now you're still effectively treated like a junior.

 

I tried recruiting for BB IB SA while a senior planning on doing a 1yr MsF. HR of my current BB gig was very strict about it, and told me that I won’t be considered if I do not delay my graduation. Ended up delaying to have shot, and it worked out. MBB are open to 1yr Masters tho. Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the response, do you think part of it might have been that you were applying that summer? I would be applying the previous summer during the accelerated recruiting period and trying to network in directly.

I keep getting conflicting advice on this, who told you that they were strict, were you trying to network in directly with someone there / hr, or was this just their official policy?

 

I don’t see the harm in trying. Best case you get an SA gig, worst case some banks are strict on their policies and say no

 

The main thing that's confusing me is that half the people on here are emphatically saying they don't do it accept in rare cases and then others are saying its relatively common. From what I can tell it might look like its more common in London / Europe.

 

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