I've had this thought pondering in my head for quite some time. If it was never for my finance professor making our class do research on investment banking, I would have never stumbled upon WSO my sophomore year. I probably would not be anywhere near where I am today. I've had a lot of help from the advice given on these forums, and I can say with certainty that I could not have done it if it weren't for WSO.
Where would you be if this forum never existed?
Probably procrastinating on some other website
Probably the same place I'm at right now. I would definitely be much less aware of the various prestige/exit opp rankings devised by industry professionals and college sophomores. Not sure if that would necessarily be a bad thing though.
An Average Engineering Major.
Unclear. WSO is what convinced me to go down the MSF route as opposed to MBA (didn't really have relevant work exp). My life would likely be very different right now if I went to a 2nd/3rd tier MBA. Maybe not.
I've always kinda wondered why people go the MSF route.
Most likely for people who want another shot at recruiting/figured things out later on in college. I thought about doing one if I wasn't able to land an IB gig
I think WSO is most powerful for those who didn't grow up in Connecticut or attend target schools as they would not have otherwise come to learn about a lot of finance careers.
The kids who grew up in a well-off family or attended Duke likely would be in the same place they are now even without WSO.
Reddit
WSO was the main reason why I opted to pursue front office finance. Without it, i would never have cared about things like career trajectory, impact, networking and prestige. In my process for FO recruiting, I've improved my interpersonal skills, academic ability, personal drive and willingness to learn from failure.
I simply wouldn't be the same person I am today without WSO, and the community behind it that pushes each other to do and become better.
This site has helped me a tremendous amount. I’ve read tons of useful posts by knowledgeable users and even became friends with a couple monkeys. If it wasn’t for WSO I probably wouldn't have landed my summer gig at GS, which helped me land my current role and put me on track for success. Thx everyone
Definitely would not be reading this at 2:30am as I draft some BS Equity story for an IPO that will never happen. Dang you WSO!!
For every stupid misconception about finance that is spouted by misinformed, inexperienced undergrads; there's a piece of very valuable advice to be found on this site.
Some of the best advice I learned here had NOTHING to do with career; and everything to do with life. To seek and enjoy experiences in life, to value health, to value time as the most essential commodity, and lastly to learn to be happy presently, because no career will promise that as part of a compensation package.
Craigslist casual encounters.
haha..
In Tech
Non-target in Asia. Pretty much looked down upon by everyone in tier 1 unis. Did one of the best in my university. Achieved several boutique and mid-tier bank off-cycle M&A. Heading (and still failing, but hopefully not for long) for mid-tier banks off-cycle and FT interviews. Have no physical friends to help me, but I am glad and thankful for this community full of arrogant bastards + wit + finance knowledge to hit me hard to the ground, because thats how I get stronger and better. Cheers, WSO.
Opening a Pie Shop. Joking aside, I would have no idea as for the finance, investment world goes at a very professional high up level. I am from a "different background" (M&E), but work brought me to the finance world. Used to be a field producer, then an Executive Prod position opened, this two as an indie. Now a bunch of Exec Prods along a network we are trying to create a fund, and so WSO has helped me shit loads and I mean it. Very helpful people, good insights. From there starting taking more in-depth courses. Awesome website and I have recommended it to the other ones on the team.
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