From the "Hood" to IBD

After a couple of Goose Island Pale Ale's, and waiting for the Hawks game to be over, I have decided to write my "success" story on this forum. Over the past couple of years, I've spent my time lurking WallStreetOasis, picking up important pieces of information along the way, so I thought I'd share my path into investment banking.

I grew up in a pretty rough neighborhood. My mom cleans houses, my dad works in a factory. I've lost some friends along the way to violence, prison, etc. I could sit here and create a long sob story about how I have overcome so many obstacles. But tough shit, everyone's got their problems. Whether it's growing up poor or not getting that summer analyst position in Goldman TMT or Walgreens closing before you had a chance to buy more beer. The world's not fair, you will only get what you fight for, if that.

I interned in Corporate Development, after receiving a number of rejections from Bulge Brackets. When I got the offer, I thought "Great, I just moved 2 years forward in my career without actually having to work the grueling hours of banking." I was completely wrong. Who would have thought that working in Corporate Development would mean pulling all nighters or staying in the office until 1 am. Granted, going in I was entitled little shit who had a chip on his shoulder. It slowly broke me into realizing I was not as smart as everyone said I was. I honestly believe this is the best lesson I have ever learned in my life. No matter how high your GPA/GMAT/SAT/whatever you want to consider a metric, you can/will still be an idiot when you first start off. And if you're not, more power to you, you're a better man/woman than me.

Long Story short, I didn't get an offer to join the Corporate Development team full time. Even if I had, I would have rejected it. The culture on the team was toxic, and I could not see myself working there full time. This led into a senior year without a job offer locked in. Which, I'm sure, sounds like a nightmare to most of the users of this forum. After a couple of months, I decided it was time to consider a back office position or finance leadership development program. Ultimately, I decided that a FLDP program would provide better experience than doing financial control at a big bank (I'm sure this is debatable, and you will have success stories on both sides).

After spending about a year and a half within my FLDP program, I have received an offer to join a MM boutique investment bank. And that's my story. If a kid from the hood can do it, you can do it too. It's possible! (although that may just be the booze talking).