What do I do?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a structured approach to help you navigate your situation:

1. Immediate Steps to Stay Active and Relevant

• Keep Applying Broadly: Focus on roles that are one step removed from your target (e.g., valuation, transaction services, corporate banking, or F500 treasury/rotational programs). These roles can provide transferable skills for equity research or banking.
• Consider Flexible Internships: If you’re struggling to land a full-time role, look for unpaid or part-time internships to keep your resume fresh and relevant. This can also help you network and gain experience.
• Networking: Double down on networking. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and cold emails to connect with professionals in equity research or banking. Be persistent and strategic in your outreach.

2. Certifications and Skill Development

• CFA Level 1: Pursuing the CFA can demonstrate your commitment to finance and make you a more attractive candidate for equity research or banking roles. It’s especially valuable if you’re considering equity research.
• Technical Skills: Ensure your financial modeling and Excel skills are sharp. Consider taking courses or certifications to bolster your technical expertise.

3. Graduate School Options

• MSF: If you lack internships, an MSF program can help you rebrand and provide access to recruiting pipelines. However, ensure the program has strong placement stats in your target fields (e.g., equity research or banking).
• Early Career MBA: Programs like USC or SMU can be a good option if you’re looking to pivot into banking or research. These programs often have strong alumni networks and recruiting opportunities.
• Dual MBA/JD: While this is an interesting option, it’s a significant time and financial commitment. Only pursue this if you’re genuinely interested in law and see it aligning with your long-term goals.

4. Alternative Career Paths

• Corporate Finance: If you can land a corporate finance role, it can serve as a stepping stone. Focus on roles that offer exposure to financial analysis, forecasting, or M&A activity.
• Real Estate Finance: If you’re open to it, real estate finance can be a lucrative and interesting career path. Consider roles in REITs, real estate private equity, or development.

5. Mindset and Strategy

• Stay Resilient: The finance job market is competitive, and rejection is part of the process. Keep refining your approach and learning from each experience.
• Be Open to Pivoting: While equity research or banking may be your ultimate goal, don’t hesitate to explore adjacent fields that can provide relevant experience and open doors in the future.

Suggested Path:

• Secure a corporate finance role or internship to gain experience while studying for CFA Level 1.
• Continue networking aggressively and applying to roles in equity research or banking.
• If progress stalls, consider an MSF or early career MBA to rebrand and access recruiting pipelines.

This approach balances short-term action with long-term planning, giving you multiple pathways to achieve your goals. Keep pushing forward—success in finance often comes down to persistence and adaptability!

Sources: graduated may 2019 and recently laid off first job, Graduating MSF - no job, Move from back office to middle office to front office, 22 Year Old Failure Seeks Advice re: Breaking into Finance, Feel like I'm going to be stuck in this job, what do I do?