2021 UK undergrad, no BB/EB summer, thoughts on SA/grad applications 2021?

Undergrad student in the UK at a top 10 uni but still non-target imo (think Bristol, Durham, Loughborough, Bath)

Missed out on 2020 SA opportunities due to current internship (Research in Global Markets running (Aug 19- Aug2020).

Anyone have thoughts on 2021 recruitment cycle for front office IB - M&A, or generalist role? - Do I go for SA position or apply FT grad at BB/EB?

Not planning to take a masters due to funding ...

Anyone have thoughts on chances / tips? Previous spring intern at a BB.

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Was in a similar position to you, decided just to apply for summers again and it paid off (very hard to get into IB FT without SA. A lot of the EBs and some BBs (barclays off the top of my head) open their internships for finalists as well.

For the places that don't, I just said I was planning on doing a masters, and if I got an offer I'd have just made an excuse as to why I can't do it (funding, family etc). The vibe I got from most places was that they really don't mind as long as they like you and are happy for you to take a year out and travel etc which is what I'm doing now.

Just make sure you build your story appropriately (i.e why you're moving from research into IB) and you'll be a very competitive candidate - best of luck

 

Veritatis corporis nesciunt error praesentium. Ratione eos id ex. Eos aperiam accusamus consequatur a omnis saepe non adipisci. Repudiandae et tempore maiores fugiat beatae numquam.

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 (67) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”