Korean Student here. What comes to your mind first?

Dear,

I've been thinking about my image as a finance guy and ways to improving it mostly for my interview process and networking. I figured it might be helpful to know what you guys really think about an international student (Korean) when you first meet them. What comes to your mind and what do you expect (if any)? Real yet untold stereotypes or whatnot?

Please please be honest. Honesty is what's the most important here!

Thanks!

49 Comments
 

Depending on people's experiences when they're teenagers/young adults will strongly influence their prejudices. I grew up going to school with 80%+ Korean (or of Chinese Cantonese descent) students so I'm more used to Asian people than any other race. With that said, that seems to be a very rare circumstance so it's a total coin flip if you land an internship with a great, accepting MD or an absolute racist, dick head. Also, find a tight knit group of people you can connect with to expand your network and support you.

 

Definitely something to notice. I've been lucky enough to have MDs who are very accepting. Except for one who explicitly mentioned during an interview that he dislikes working with an only child in the family as they are socially deficient.

 

Military experience is a plus imo and I've noticed Koreans have strong networks among themselves and look out for each other.

 

Could you please articulate more about why military experience can help? I don't understand why it is so. Is it the leadership position that makes us favorable?

 

Well it shows that you're different from the regular pasty north american kid with a manufactured resume. Military is life experience and I know since it's mandatory many korean kids don't see it as special but if you served in a combat unit or can spin your story well it's definitely a huge plus.

I mean come on IB is literally being able to grind, and what better way to prove that you can grind than serving in the military?

 

zero stereotypes against any race in general. unless you're a super foby student that can't speak english well.

What concert costs 45 cents? 50 Cent feat. Nickelback.
 

12 hours a day studying

Never discuss with idiots, first they drag you at their level, then they beat you with experience.
 

https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2019/7/17/0bb2eedc-c250-4812-b4c…</a" alt="a" />

They wear the freshest clothes, eat at the chillest restaurants and hang out with the hottest dudes

 

I would think not to fuck with you because you've probably got a mean kicking foot. For real. Koreans will kick you in the head. Don't fuck with Koreans. I'd know I could get my way with you though and that you're very soft and manipulateable. I'd think for a moment how that's possible while being so hard-working. If we got to know one another, I'd probe into your people's deep, systemic misery and what you intend to do about the noxious blimp fart that is the air you breathe.

heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 

Once people are through the cultural differences, language barriers and other minor barriers, they see the person you are.

In interviews, DO mention that you are an international student. This builds a lot of credibility. Shows risk taking, confidence, and adaptability.

Whether Korean or Chinese or any other race, use the "international student' brand to your benefit. It is a big decision to move to an alien country where the culture, language, food, communication, and soft skills are totally different. Added to this one's leaving family, friends, hometown and all the comfort levels for change and growth.

All this = Leadership qualities.

Good Luck!

 

If there are other Asian Americans, or Asians, in the office, what comes to mind may be that you are cliquey or a bit xenophobic. I went to an international school, and spent some time in the region, and all of the Koreans were by far the most fashionable, always wearing pea-coats and topcoats come wintertime, but a lot of people were turned off by the fact that the Koreans only ever hung out with other Koreans.. I love Korea, and have visited several times, but this is the honest image a lot of people have.

 

Non mollitia corrupti molestiae voluptatibus. Aspernatur qui id inventore sit veritatis. Soluta voluptas sed recusandae et. Debitis vitae quidem quisquam itaque quisquam ea ut. Nam beatae enim et. Voluptate quis a et quibusdam eligendi libero officia. Explicabo mollitia delectus et magnam odit.

Facere libero est consequatur neque qui consequatur quia. Sunt dolore sunt mollitia consequatur excepturi itaque aut. Voluptatem aut praesentium magnam. Ipsa quia veniam ex ea.

 

Tenetur aut voluptate explicabo occaecati ex aliquam. Omnis alias et rem quaerat quas nulla blanditiis. Suscipit asperiores voluptates temporibus maiores maxime rem est voluptates.

Modi expedita numquam est est voluptas sint. Quod dignissimos ipsam ex voluptatem aut. Facilis ut tempora voluptatum ad labore maxime nihil sunt. Cumque nulla mollitia non repellat eaque. Ut ut quisquam facere nesciunt.

Ab quisquam ipsa impedit culpa non. Eius vel laborum et non maiores eum. Est dolorem sequi qui molestiae eos sunt repellendus.

Nostrum enim debitis tenetur dolorem. Beatae quas optio autem alias voluptas qui.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”