Too Late For S&T???

To tell my story, I am currently a second year at a lowish semi target on the west coast, I have a great resume for finance/trading/client facing experiences. I was recruiting & networking for more for AM/PWM/Private banking roles up until Mid January. Then I learned about S&T and sent in my apps to all the BB and some EB and started networking & emailing. Have not been able to get the best traction with networking, especially some of the bigger names. Have ok traction at 2 lower BB. How are my chances looking? Realistically how many people at a bank should I get to know for a chance in S&T? Are my chances better focusing more on a few banks that maybe are the top 3 but more top 10?

10 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation isn't uncommon, and there are actionable steps you can take to improve your chances for S&T roles:

  1. Networking Depth vs. Breadth:

    • It's better to focus on a few banks rather than spreading yourself too thin. Building deeper relationships with individuals at 2-3 banks (even if they aren't the top 3) can yield better results than shallow connections across many firms.
    • Aim to connect with at least 3-5 people at each target bank, including analysts, associates, and ideally someone more senior. This ensures you have multiple advocates who can vouch for you when hiring decisions are made.
  2. Timing and Persistence:

    • While starting late in the S&T recruiting cycle can be a challenge, persistence is key. Keep networking, even if it feels like you're behind. Many candidates secure interviews through last-minute referrals or by staying on recruiters' radars for off-cycle opportunities.
  3. Tailoring Your Approach:

    • Highlight your client-facing and finance/trading experiences in conversations and applications. Be ready to discuss specific stocks, market trends, or trades you've analyzed to demonstrate your market knowledge and passion for S&T.
    • If you're targeting lower BBs, emphasize your genuine interest in their specific desks or culture, as this can set you apart from candidates chasing only the top-tier firms.
  4. Realistic Expectations:

    • Breaking into S&T is competitive, especially at BBs. However, lower BBs or regional firms may offer a more accessible entry point. Once you're in the industry, lateral moves to higher-tier firms are possible if you perform well.
  5. Next Steps:

    • Continue networking aggressively, focusing on quality over quantity.
    • Prepare for interviews by practicing technical questions, market discussions, and behavioral responses.
    • Consider applying to boutique or regional firms as a backup plan, as they may have less rigid recruiting timelines.

Remember, S&T is about relationships and market knowledge. If you can demonstrate both effectively, your chances will improve significantly. Keep pushing!

Sources: Sales in S&T - What's the catch? (best job in banking)??, Conversation with an Equities Sales Trader, Sales in S&T - What's the catch? (best job in banking)??, How to break into S&T as a graduate?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/sales-in-st-dead-end-career-path-in-2020?customgpt=1

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

Ok, in my opinion, what you need to focus on is standing out to a few people, not networking with a ton of people. I would look for places where there is an apparent need to hire, and where you might have some specialized experience that is relevant.  I would also consider smaller firms that might have less formal hiring practices than a BB bank. If it's what you love and you're good at it, you'll stand out and opportunities will come. In terms of whether you'll be competitive for the BB programs you're looking at, that's hard to say with this information. I mean applicants like you are a dime a dozen. Most I find are full of crap when you bring them in, so maybe you can stand out.

 
Most Helpful

Couple of random thoughts 


1. Do you have an internship lined up for this summer, if you do, work hard at it do well and try to meet as many people as you can. 

2. Get your SIE, shows you are serious about doing something client facing and markets based. You don’t need sponsorship. 

3. In terms of networking, I’d focus on trying to connect with people who you have some commonality with in S&T regardless of where they work. Of course you want them to push your resume but your goal should be to try to build a relationship that may be beneficial down the line. 

4. Find the smaller firms, their recruitment is not nearly as structured and can be great places to work with less red tape. Also great places to get experience and build relationships with people who might have larger firm experience. 

5. Take a 5yr approach- If you can’t get the gig you want out of school it’s not the end of the world, firms are always looking for “low risk junior hires” people with a couple years of experience in a somewhat tangential role that wont take as much ramp up time/are more mature than a college student. Your networking now and staying in touch can pay dividends here. 

 

I agree with the 5 year approach - out of school your odds are pretty low due to the structure of recruiting, but you have a strong chance in the next 5 years if you keep trying and gaining experience

 

Vitae porro dolorum ea autem dicta iure ex. Temporibus et magni pariatur. Autem adipisci totam odit sunt unde. Eum eius dolor molestiae.

Eaque cum eum rerum provident sed quam. Rerum rerum architecto soluta enim id et. Distinctio neque et veniam.

Consequatur enim asperiores ea officiis omnis quo. Eaque et animi libero ratione. Odit ad ad aut quo. Qui qui sunt natus animi. Corrupti distinctio quod et aut sapiente maiores sit. Reiciendis repellendus eum voluptas cum illo voluptates minus. Alias sit impedit rerum error sit.

Quia ut amet voluptatum itaque. Facere non error ipsa. Omnis eos dolor quam repudiandae dicta ipsum quia. Quam aut atque ipsum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”