What would you guys do in my position?
(reposting for traction)
I'm currently an undergrad studying BSc Finance at a UK (high) semi-target (Bath/Notts/Durham) going into my last year of study. Didn't have a clue what spring weeks were until recruiting ended back in first year but managed to get a small insight week at a small trading (markets) firm. Fast-forward to now, doing a summer internship at a PERE top 10 firm doing PM. Doing well in terms of grades (predicted first) etc.
As you can see, my experience is quite scattered, so now I'm questioning where on earth to go looking forward.
Which field would I have the strongest chance of breaking into? Looking around, IB feels like a long shot and I'm questioning if I have enough relevant experience, but preference is IB. If not, maybe RE or AM but unsure. I want a decent paying career but also good exit opps. Am I asking for too much given my experience?
If you were in my exact position, what would your next moves be? Would love to hear everyone's individual opinion. Pls comment if any more context needed.
Thanks
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:
Evaluate Your Preferences and Strengths:
Networking:
Skill Development:
Application Strategy:
Consider Long-Term Goals:
Seek Mentorship:
Remember, many professionals have had scattered experiences early in their careers and still found success. Your diverse background can be an asset if you position it correctly.
For more detailed advice, you might find it helpful to read through similar threads on WSO, such as: - "Financial freedom - what next?" where individuals discuss their career transitions and decisions. - "30 and a bit lost in career - Advice Appreciated" for insights on career direction and next steps.
Good luck with your final year and future career decisions!
Sources: What would you do if you were me? (Medicine vs Business), I was fired today, don't know what to do...., Advice on career and the switch into investment banking, Financial freedom - what next?, Selfish Ask for Help in Situation
First try to convert your internship
Don't think it is convertible unfortunately. They almost always hire analysts with previous experience
Leverage the internship to move in to real estate-focussed IB
how do you target RE IB roles in London as a uni student? Interested in this as well, just doesn’t seem to be a clear path to a RE IB role vs. generalist IB at the super junior level
Many banks in the UK accept final-year students for summer internships (for others you can say that you are looking to do a Masters in 2025/26). If IBD is what you want it’s not too late tbh..
I would apply to 2025 IBD summer internships at all BB / EB / MM banks and option 2 would be corporate banking summer programs at Asian / European banks that don’t have established IBD functions (like of SMBC, MUFG, BNP, LLoyds, NatWest etc). Applications usually open in Aug / Sep with interviews and ACs in Oct / Nov – so you have time. Being at semi-target you will have to put in some extra effort but with spring and a summer PERE experience you should be able to land a few interviews. Good luck!
This is really helpful, Thank you so much! Can I just ask why corporate banking? I haven't really looked in that space but heard good things, and why Asian/EU?
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