Some advice for someone in my situation?

Hi, so I didn't do as well as I would have liked in my first year of college. I didn't get into any finance clubs (I came in not knowing what I wanted to do). I'm not sure if I made many finance friends (if anything, I pissed off a bunch of powerful people). I've done some informational interviews/coffee chats, but nothing has really come out of them so far.

The only thing going for me is that I have a 4.0 GPA right now (I'm on a quarter system), although I might finish with only a 3.8 GPA worst case scenario. I managed to find a small pe shop in my hometown to take me for the summer, but I'm not sure if I'll be doing any substantial work.

For reference, my goal is iBanking. I'm a mathematics major with a minor in economics at UChicago. At this point, however, I might have to aim for trading instead given my skillset.

My plan is to first continue reading fundamental investing books, introduce myself technical trading, and maybe venture into options also. I understand that this probably won't do me much good with getting into banking, but this is more for club recruiting/talking to people/making money for myself. If I really can't get into banking, I guess I'll try to get into a Chicago prop shop.

Next, I'll have to continue networking. I've heard this is essential but I suck so much at it. I also need to learn how to dress better and act more polished.

Next year, I'll have to do my best to get into all the finance clubs.

Any other advice for a guy who's feeling left in the dust? I know people who have internships in NY in their first year and are extremely involved and connected. I can't help but feel inadequate.

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I’m pretty sure getting into a prop shop is harder than getting into IB, at least on average. It might be easier for your if your specialize in math and really suck at networking.

For finance club recruiting: what did the application process look like first year? What kinds of questions did they ask? I’m guessing learning about value investing helps.

You said you finished up your first year at UChicago? You have any idea how many people become interested in IB within their first year? Is the “competition” for finance recruiting really that noticeable at the school, even during first year?

 
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