Approach for non-students of target universities
First, thanks for all users for their help. This is my first post in WSO but I’m been reading it during a lot of time.
I write this post because I’m looking for a opportunity as M&A Intern in any Spanish firm, but it’s being difficult for me.
Problem is that I didn’t study in a target university in Spain and I don’t have any MSc. So, I don’t manage to find the approach for guys like I. I’m frustated because I’ve almost 5 years valuation companies by myself and I think I have good skills for get a internship in the industry, but recruiters just see the university where you studied. If you didn’t study in a target university, your resume will be thrown in the bin.
What do you think guys? How can I approach my candidatures?
Also, I’m thinking to study a MSc in Finance in a target university (just in Spain) for get more future chances, but some people recommend to get an internship before to start a MSc. With job experience I’ll learn more in the MSc.
You need to network heavily and get exposure that way.
Have you graduated or are you still in undergrad? I agree, work experience before a second degree is important. And if you do an MBA etc. make sure it’s a target school.
Thats difficult. This is a industry where people don't have time to waste with unknown people. I try to make nets within LinkedIn but I just manage superficial conversations. Also, I'm in Twitter where I can have more deeper conversations.
About MBA. I'm not thinking to apply for it because I know that study a MBA is just useful in a TOP Business School where you can do a great networking. The problem is not just the cost (around 80-90K€) if not the difficult of the admission process. A lot of people want to apply in TOPs Business School and the competitive is aggressive.
Thanks for your comment FinConnoisseur
Mate you’ve literally just described the most generic hurdles which everyone has to face.
Yes, networking is difficult.
Yes, an MBA is expensive.
Yes, you need to go to a TOP school.
Yes, it takes a lot of preparation to do a good application.
This might come off as blunt, but if you’re balking at this point, at the very first difficulties which everyone has to overcome, then the industry probably isn’t for you to begin with.
I understand the difficult of networking successfully, but I find a lot of people to be receptive. I would suggest finding people on LinkedIn, then emailing their work email with a nice, but direct email. PM if you would like the format I would use. I have about an 80-90% response rate including senor bankers. I don't network to find a job but to build relationships and find out more about the industry, and I think that helps a lot. It takes time, but through practice you can find what works best for you. Don't be discouraged, if you REALLY want it, it will come. I know that's not much comfort when you're in the thick of it, but that's the only way I can describe it.
Of course its competitive. In this field, everything is competitive. I'll be honest, if competition discourages you, this isn't the field for you. I know HEC is places very well in Europe.
How old are you? I'm assuming early 20's, late teens? If so, you have all the time in the world imo. Don't rush into school, perhaps delay your graduation so you can land some off-cycle internship, crush your GMAT (Not sure if this is a worthwhile data point in Europe?) fix your resume, and improve your networking. This are all generic answers but they really work. If you are unsuccessful, do some interesting work during this quarantine (I'm volunteering for my government, and writing atm), to differentiate yourself, practice your technical while working the closest FO Finance role you can find. Then reapply for business school. I just don't see the value add of a MSc in Finance for you atm.
If you can get into either of IE or ESADE securing an IB internship shouldn't be too hard. You should probably work on your English a bit as well, spend a semester in the UK or something. (No offense, mine isn't perfect either, but there are glaring mistakes in almost all of your sentences)
Are you from Spain? I thought to apply in CUNEF. And thanks for your opinion about to spend some period abroad. Thats another of my ideas if I don't manage to get a job (and this is the most likely). With my level I can read, write and have a conversation but I know that I have an intermediate level
Quia dolores accusamus optio. Non expedita sunt culpa doloremque magni nisi ex. Ea nam deserunt deleniti.
Similique nihil reiciendis quos consequuntur commodi. Consectetur suscipit nam tempore sint quis. Minima doloremque error commodi modi ut fugiat laboriosam repudiandae.
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...