Hey guys, I recently finished my required military service for South Korea after my sophomore year of undergrad and I've been looking for an off-cycle internship to do here. I've gotten to final round interviews for 4 different firms, ranging from BB to boutiques. I nail all the technical questions they throw at me and I have a relatively well crafted story, but I always get the same answer: you're too young and you have no experience.
In Korea, most firms look for interns that can start working FT soon after they finish the internship program, so they usually look for someone in their 3rd year or above. As someone looking to gain experience through an internship, it's frustrating when firms tell me that they're not willing to hire because I have none.
My question is, what are some things that I can do to add value to myself and appeal to them despite my lack of experience?
Build some financial models and showcase your writing skills. Drop your interviewer a USB stick with some sample work. If they are impressed, I think that'll give you an edge.
I recently started teaching myself how to model using textbooks and the BIWS guide, so it may be a little difficult to really impress them. I'll definitely keep that in mind though.
Nothing really to add to your situation. I just wanted to comment that your English is amazing. You write better than most of the people born and raised in an English speaking country.
That was my EXACT thought!
Haha, thanks Dick. I'm honored that you took the time to comment on my post.
To be honest, it looks like it is just a waiting game. Keep brushing up on your modeling skills, keep reading what ever South Korea's version of financial report filings are called. Don't forget to keep in touch with the bankers you interviewed with and keep expanding your network. From what you have said it sounds like they are just putting you on the bench until after you finish your 3rd year. Don't look at it as a failure look at it as a win, you beat out a bunch of 3rd years in the interviews and now you have been put on the AAA team to build your stamina and polish your skills. Nothing wrong with that.
Thanks for putting things in perspective heister. This was just what I needed. I've been getting pretty discouraged about what's been going on and this helped me a lot. I actually got a call to interview for a position that I really wanted for a while (Equity S&T), so this, combined with your comment, has gotten me back on my horse.
Just remember that high finance is usually a very rigid structure in of itself. When you combine that with Asian culture of deference to ones elders it just seems like your situation would be a natural course.
They would know your experience level from your resume prior to extending you an interview so I wonder if the "young and inexperienced" comments are actually referring to something coming across during the interviews. You seem mature and especially coming out of the military I doubt that you're presenting poorly but firms won't generally ding someone post-interview for something they knew about them before the interview.
As you said, these firms generally interview juniors or above so even getting interviews as a sophomore puts you ahead of the curve. Keep your head up and think of subtle things you could do in future interviews to seem older or more mature. Keep in touch with your interviewers and many/most will likely give you another shot as a junior.
Good luck.
That definitely came across my mind as well. I could be doing something wrong in the interview and I admit that there's always room for improvement, but from my experience, it's the HR department that deals with the resume screening. In every single interview I had, the interviewers are surprised when I tell them that I only finished my sophomore year and they never fail to mention that they usually hire someone a bit older.
Man. Look at this guy. Who does he think he is? All humble and admitting that he's not perfect and shit. Get outta here, kid - this place is only for people still in college to dickwag and talk about how they know better than the one or two old farts on this board with 10+ years of experience.
Real talk, tho: Have you considered applying to places outside of South Korea? You could gun for a spot somewhere in Hong Kong or Singapore, perhaps. BB, boutique, big 4 - just send apps in to all of 'em. It's a numbers game, and you'll get there eventually. Also apply to positions outside of IBD, because even a back office job is perfectly fine for a sophomore year internship.
Definitely do like LongandShortofit said and keep in touch with your interviewers. Next year when you have some experience at whatever place, you can get back to them and angle for another interview.
P.S. - @LongandShortofit: Everyone in South Korea spends a couple years in the military, so he doesn't have a leg up over the competition in that particular regard.
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