Incoming MSF Recruiting for FT 26

Will be joining an MSF program at a semi target in the Fall and need to recruit for FT 26. 

Currently interning (unpaid) at a small fundamental L/S fund, but they are not a viable option for FT. I have some ib internship experience at boutiques, and want to work in IB or PE post-MSF (specifically Industrials, Tech or Energy) 

It’s currently the end of May, so I feel like I’m behind on networking and outreach for FT26. I’m also just starting to review the interview prep materials. 

What is the current recruiting timeline for FT26? 

Should I only be targeting regional boutiques and mm shops or is spending time on larger firms worth it?


What is the most optimal path to be fully prepped on technicals in the next ~1 month?


What advice would you give to an incoming MSF student with 1 year to win a seat in IB/pe?


Thanks in advance

8 Comments
 
  1. Study the 400 questions guide and know all the basics and understand the advanced questions. if you get more time after this try to understand a deeper level and the underlying concepts of the questions being asked. use ibvine if you want it really helps
  2. Network from now to build your network, full time recruiting for 26 starts in about 2/3 months so you need to have contacts built already by then
  3. Build a good resume with incoming MSF student and of course explain in the coffee chats that you are starting during the fall and it's a 1 year program blah blah
  4. I would target any firm size cast a wide net, you never know if an MD from a BB likes you and puts you in the process but the majority effort should go towards MM and boutiques since that's where you'll have a better chance
 
Most Helpful

MSF grad here that landed an MM role post-graduation.

1 - Immediate Action: Quit your internship now. You will need every second you have in the next couple of months as that is the most critical time for recruiting.

2 - Main Near-Term Goals: Make recruiting your full time job until you receive an offer. You need to devote all your time in the next couple of months to networking and interview prep. Don't focus on specific sectors and reach out to any person you have a shot at getting on the phone. No partying, no social life. Depending on how strong your interview prep is, I'd prioritize networking given FT recruiting timelines.

3 - Timeline & Type of Banks: FT apps will open in late August / September. By then you need to make as many connections as possible. Your school will get you looks from any bank so I'd focus on MM / BB / EB for the time being. Boutiques wouldn't open their apps until Spring anyways. PE is a lot more difficult to land without an internship so I wouldn't focus on that.

4 - Back Up Plan: If you are unsuccessful in landing a role in September, focus on getting 4.0 GPA during the first semester. Start an unpaid internship in a tiny boutique to further demonstrate interest (and hopefully learn something). Continue networking with MMs, as they will open up positions on an on-and-off basis as their recruiting is more unstructured vs. BBs / EBs. Start networking with regional boutiques. 

5 - Overall attitude - this should be your #1 goal during the next year and every second of free time should be devoted to it. If you are serious enough you will get in. DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE SAYING YOU CANNOT LAND A ROLE.

Godspeed.

 

Thanks for the comment and encouragement.

Is the best technical prep method to just run through the 400Qs, or should the RedBook be a bigger focus?
Should IBVine? There’s so many competing resources that it can be tough to see which/what method would be most effective and time efficient

 
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