Sophomore College Students: Chill Out
I see so many posts worrying/complaining about how competitive the recruiting process is, rankings, etc. Let me tell you right now how recruiting will go. You will learn the same techs, behavioral interview questions, etc. as everyone else. You will applying to like 20 firms, get maybe 10 interviews, most will reject you. It's ok. You'll get at least one offer, maybe more. It tends to be pretty clear which you should you choose and if not you probably truly can't go wrong either way. Then you can enjoy the last 2 years of college and in 2 years you'll be worried about PE recruiting and look at this like it was silly. Good luck.
This is basically your whole life.
You are always stressing about securing the next big position, buying the next dream car, banging the next hot girl, getting the next this and next that, and thinking once I achieve that I can live and enjoy life.
But before you know it, life slips away and all those things you wanted to do will be done but then you will realize an emptiness inside of you because you forgot to enjoy the things you had and the process of getting there.
So busy chasing that you forgot living.
So, yes. Work hard, plan about the next thing. But simultaneously enjoy the process, and everything that comes along with it. Do not always live in the future, be present in the present.
My 2 cents.
Great point. Achieving that goal never brings the satisfaction you thought it would bring. Landing my dream SA and FT roles left my feeling strangely empty, despite grinding towards those roles for months. Gotta stop and smell the roses sometimes.
Great point! very helpful
Ah, the classic sophomore scramble! It's like a jungle out there, but instead of vines, you're swinging from networking event to networking event. Here's the lowdown based on the most helpful WSO content:
Recruiting Timeline: It's a marathon, not a sprint. You've noticed that recruiting starts in the spring of your sophomore year and can drag all the way to the fall of your junior year. It's a long haul, so pace yourself.
Resume Drops: These info sessions might seem like a zoo, but they're not just for show. While it may not be obvious, some firms do collect resumes at these events. It's not a myth, so have yours polished and ready to hand out.
Alumni Connections: You're questioning the alumni magic, huh? Well, it's true that having an alumni connection isn't a golden ticket, but it can give you an edge. It's all about how you leverage that connection. Don't just name-drop your school; build a genuine rapport.
Networking: It's not just about who you know, but who remembers you (for the right reasons). Networking is key, even if it feels like you're just one of the crowd. Stand out by being the one who's done their homework and can hold a conversation beyond the usual script.
The Process: You've got it right; you'll learn the ropes, apply to a bunch of places, and face rejection. But that's the game. Keep your chin up, because you're likely to land something if you play your cards right.
Decision Time: When you get those offers, choose wisely. But remember, it's not the end of the world if you're torn between options. Both paths can lead to success.
Looking Ahead: Today's stress is tomorrow's nostalgia. You'll look back at this and chuckle while you're in the trenches of PE recruiting.
So, keep your head cool and your suit pressed. You've got this, and when you're a big shot on Wall Street, you'll have some great tales for the newbies. Good luck out there, and remember, every banana was once a green little thing.
Sources: Looking for Recruiting Advice, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Recruiting Dilemma - Sophomore Interns, What (some of) you are doing wrong, Recruiting Tips for Summer Analyst Prospects
10 interviews bruv? That is goated
fr
Lets be real, most of the sophomores will get zero interviews and we will a million threads in May asking if their life is over or not (its not).
What if we’re at a non target ☹️
Them sophomores are something else like relax my dude
This is a great site for recruiting related advice but other than that it’s full of angsty prospects. Spend more time networking than reading posts here
ok but which banks have sophomore summer analyst programs for 2025 and will u be my network to get me the internship
Guys I have a 4.0 in engineering at Harvard, multiple leadership positions and 6 previous internships. Do I stand a chance for LMM banks or should I target big 4 instead?
Voluptatibus recusandae omnis earum ipsum qui in. Dignissimos consequatur in fugiat nisi.
Illo enim impedit minus autem. Et reiciendis officia necessitatibus saepe. Dolor deserunt cum nulla vero dolorem labore quibusdam provident. Facere nihil non quia illum. Maxime cumque ullam ut totam. Repudiandae voluptatem earum suscipit rerum quidem dolor.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...