International student BB snt no return

I'm currently a senior with a summer experience at a BB in Sales & Trading(no quant focus). I'm an international student, so I’ll need sponsorship to stay in the U.S. post-graduation. Right now, I'm exploring options for grad school to potentially improve my odds of securing a long-term role here, but I’m still committed to pursuing a career in global markets division – ideally in trading, structuring, or research(no quant).

Does anyone have insights on:

The odds of staying in the U.S. through sponsorship in trading/structuring roles after completing grad school?
Alternative paths – Would Asset Management or the buyside be more feasible for internationals, given the sponsorship challenges?
What entry-level positions are typically open for someone with my background in these areas, especially if I go through grad school?
Differences in career paths or day-to-day roles between S&T, AM, and the buyside?

Any advice or experience would be really appreciated! Thanks in advance.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

Odds of Staying in the U.S. Through Sponsorship in Trading/Structuring Roles After Grad School:

  • Sponsorship Challenges: Securing sponsorship in trading or structuring roles can be challenging. While some BB banks do sponsor international students, the process is competitive and not guaranteed. The H1B visa has a lottery system with about a 33% chance of selection, and not all banks are willing to sponsor.
  • STEM Advantage: If your grad school program qualifies as STEM, you could benefit from up to 3 years of OPT, which increases your chances of securing a long-term role.

Alternative Paths:

  • Asset Management (AM) or Buyside: These areas can be more feasible for internationals, but they also come with their own set of challenges. Some firms in these sectors are more open to sponsoring international candidates, but it varies widely.
  • Networking: Building a strong network and leveraging alumni connections can significantly improve your chances of finding a sponsor.

Entry-Level Positions for Your Background:

  • Sales & Trading (S&T): Roles in trading, structuring, and research are typical entry points. Your summer experience at a BB will be valuable here.
  • Asset Management (AM): Positions such as analyst roles in portfolio management, research, or client services.
  • Buyside: Entry-level roles in hedge funds, private equity, or venture capital, often starting as an analyst.

Differences in Career Paths or Day-to-Day Roles:

  • Sales & Trading (S&T): Focuses on buying and selling securities, market making, and providing liquidity. Day-to-day involves a fast-paced environment, real-time decision-making, and client interaction.
  • Asset Management (AM): Involves managing investment portfolios for clients. Day-to-day tasks include research, portfolio analysis, and client reporting.
  • Buyside: Includes roles in hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital. The focus is on investment strategies, due diligence, and portfolio management. The environment can be more research-intensive and long-term oriented compared to S&T.

Additional Tips:

  • Shoot Your Shot Everywhere: Apply broadly and don't limit yourself to firms known for sponsoring. Sometimes, the right person advocating for you can make a difference.
  • Consider Grad School in the U.S.: Completing a second master's in a highly ranked U.S. school can improve your chances of securing a role and sponsorship.

For more detailed discussions and personal experiences, you can refer to the following threads on WSO: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/banks-sponsoring-internati…</a">Banks sponsoring international students - 2022 SA - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/what-happens-t…</a">What happens to international students?

Good luck with your career journey!

Sources: Is my American Dream Over?, MBA IB Associate - Sponsorship, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/what-happens-to-international-students?customgpt=1, What are the chances for an Asian international student for IBD?, Banks sponsoring international students - 2022 SA

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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