Competitveness of smaller regional MM banks?

We all know BB jobs in NYC and SF are extremely competitive but what about some of the Middle Market firms in regional offices such as Minneapolis?

Right now I'm a junior going to a total non-target, econ major with a 3.7 GPA and president of the college investment club. only work experience is at a brokerage (obtained my series 6,7,63 licenses; not really relevant but hey at least it's something) and interned at a respected law firm last summer. Also plan to take CFA level 1 (and pass) next year (also I know it's not entirely relavent to IBD but I'm trying to keep my options open). I know I have no chance of going into BB out of college but do you think I would be considered a competitive applicant (SA of FT) for places like Goldsmith Agio Helms/Lazard, Harris Williams, Piper Jaffray, HLHZ (stretching it a bit)? Or am I still out of my league?

 

Dang-

Listen buddy I don't know how "non-target" you're talking, but I worked at a BB and we had plentey of applciants less qualified then you. I think HLHZ, Goldsmith Agio Helms, maybe a Lincoln International, Sagent Advisors, ThinkEquity, would be a good fit. The last thing you want these banks to think is that you think you aren't qualified. Never let them think they are doing you a favor by interviewing you.

 

Be more confident! This board would have you thinking that you need a 3.9+ from Stanford to go to a top bank or BB bank. That is 100% untrue, I can name about 50 people off the top of my head who are exceptions to that rule. At some of my past employers (considered some of the more competitive firms), yes there were the Wharton kids, but there were also people with 3.5's from "decent" state schools, and some with 3.0 gpas, and others who started their college careers at community colleges, etc.. Not sure about you school, but your grades and work experience already place you above a lot of the candidates. You have a chance at BB, and obviously a good chance at some firms which are a little less competitive. Do you have the same chance as the top gpa ivy kids, no, but you should still apply and shoot for the best job you can land. Don't get me wrong this is a competitive industry, but don't sell yourself short.

 
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