As @Sil recently said to the previous rant about white privilege on Wall Street: I'm sorry your last interview did not go well.
Funny that you mention that you didn't get the job because you were black, but then your only other post from several weeks ago is you asking how to get an internship in finance. You are literally applying to the most competitive jobs on earth. Take some god damn responsibility for your career instead of pulling the race card when you don't get the job.
I will say, it is definitely harder from the standpoint that as an African American, you will start off at a disadvantage in terms of you and your families network. Kids from wealthy backgrounds start off with a better network. Parents friends, and friends of family will likely be able to assist in your search for an IB role because they will know Wall Streeters. However, that is a fact of life, and it is something that can be overcome with hard work. You might have to work a bit harder for it sure, but as I said, its just a fact of life.
I am black, and I just accepted a FT role with a MM shop. It's possible, and I definitely got frustrated by it at points. But, it isn't something you can let stop you, and in the end just know that you will overcome it.
Edit* That is not to say that kids from wealthy backgrounds also do not have to put in the work, it still takes a pretty ambitious and driven individual to reach out to whatever network they do have. It also has a lot less to do with color, and more to do with social class. Wealthy people know other wealthy people. It is also a fallacy to assume only racists support Trump, as I am a pretty big supporter.
I agree bobthebaker, may be a troll, but I'll bite.
I'm mixed (black & white) and am in PWM so take what I have with a grain of salt.
OP, racism is still very much out there, but obviously more subtle. there's nothing you can do about it so you have to learn to rise up and overcome. you mention you were overqualified, perhaps this was the reason you got passed over (believe it or not, that happens). perhaps you didn't crush the interview like you thought you did, or perhaps the interviewer is a bigot asshole. either way, move on.
the absolute worst thing you can be as a young black man is a victim. if you believe people are treating you differently because you are black, then you are most certainly acting differently around those you perceive to be prejudiced. this could create a feedback loop.
there have been a couple of wise things said about black people on the street here, but mostly not so wise. blacks historically have been at a socioeconomic disadvantage in this country, and traditionally the street is populated by WASPy types. a big part of breaking in is connecting with your interviewer and networking. if you were sitting across from someone who went to philips exeter, wharton, and grew up splitting time between lacrosse tournaments and sailing at martha's vineyard, how much would you feel a connection to this person? not much, and this is a subtlety that's not overtly racist but definitely subconscious discrimination based upon socioeconomic differences. this I think is the biggest obstacle for black kids from inner cities.
OP, if you are articulate, have practiced interviews, have a solid resume, have been networking, and have a positive attitude, you cannot lose. it will take longer for you than others, but it's the world in which we live. your downfalls can be numerous: if you believe the world is out to get you, you will not try as hard, but if you take the attitude that while the cards may be stacked against you, there's nothing you can't overcome, you will win. you may need more interviews, more networking coffees, and more work on the soft skills, but you can do it. it's not fair, but the world isn't fair.
Excellent post (particularly about how one's mindset can either deter you if you already have a negative outlook or allow you to overcome challenges). Also OP, if you yourself can become successful in spite of fewer opportunities or limitations vs. your more privileged peers, it will enable you with the winning mindset and tenacity to kill it later on. And down the line you can help out others like yourself one day. I'm a minority too (though one that's common in finance), and can get how it's frustrating when you don't have the same initial advantages. But it is what it is, and instead you just need to hustle, network, find sponsors who will support you, and all that other jazz.
Very good link From WSO to read - that woman's story was inspirational.
"traditionally the street is populated by WASPy types. a big part of breaking in is connecting with your interviewer and networking. if you were sitting across from someone who went to philips exeter, wharton, and grew up splitting time between lacrosse tournaments and sailing at martha's vineyard, how much would you feel a connection to this person? not much, and this is a subtlety that's not overtly racist but definitely subconscious discrimination based upon socioeconomic differences. this I think is the biggest obstacle for black kids from inner cities."
+1 excellent statement and one that people usually dismiss as nonsense
can't say from OP's perspective...but as an international Chinese student who needs Visa sponsor, the 'find a job' process is really, really, really, really, really hard.
But what can i say? Long before I decided to enter this field I knew that it is a place full of white supremacy. Well, I'm only doing something I enjoy and why should I care about what other people think of me? It is hard to find a job and it is hard to get promoted but there's hardly anything that's impossible.
I'd like to show my support... being discriminated against doesn't feel good and I also wanna tell you to have a positive attitude :)
can't say from OP's perspective...but as an international Chinese student who needs Visa sponsor, the 'find a job' process is really, really, really, really, really hard. But what can i say? Long before I decided to enter this field I knew that it is a place full of white supremacy. Well, I'm only doing something I enjoy and why should I care about what other people think of me? It is hard to find a job and it is hard to get promoted but there's hardly anything that's impossible. I'd like to show my support... being discriminated against doesn't feel good and I also wanna tell you to have a positive attitude :)
Yeah how absurd of american companies choosing american candidates in america. I'd REALLY read the brofessor's post because you're totally missing his point. They aren't saying "oh she's chinese so f**k her", they are saying "we have zero in common with this person and can't identify with her in the slightest". Not saying that's right but it's the way it seems to be.
precisely. but someone will eventually give OP and Jojo a chance. someone will say "you know what, this person seems like they're a hard worker, and it can't be easy being in their shoes," and that, ladies & gentlemen, is how careers get started.
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As @Sil recently said to the previous rant about white privilege on Wall Street: I'm sorry your last interview did not go well.
Funny that you mention that you didn't get the job because you were black, but then your only other post from several weeks ago is you asking how to get an internship in finance. You are literally applying to the most competitive jobs on earth. Take some god damn responsibility for your career instead of pulling the race card when you don't get the job.
Btw the wall just got 10 ft taller.
For some reason, WSO now requires you need to put an apostrophe after tagging someone for it to work, like OCbFree :)
o
Are you saying you go to a target school and you think you are being discriminated against because of your skin color?
What does this have to do with Trump?
This thread has the makings of a dumpster fire. A+ troll attempt my friend.
Expected the entire opposite from the thread title
I will say, it is definitely harder from the standpoint that as an African American, you will start off at a disadvantage in terms of you and your families network. Kids from wealthy backgrounds start off with a better network. Parents friends, and friends of family will likely be able to assist in your search for an IB role because they will know Wall Streeters. However, that is a fact of life, and it is something that can be overcome with hard work. You might have to work a bit harder for it sure, but as I said, its just a fact of life.
I am black, and I just accepted a FT role with a MM shop. It's possible, and I definitely got frustrated by it at points. But, it isn't something you can let stop you, and in the end just know that you will overcome it.
Edit* That is not to say that kids from wealthy backgrounds also do not have to put in the work, it still takes a pretty ambitious and driven individual to reach out to whatever network they do have. It also has a lot less to do with color, and more to do with social class. Wealthy people know other wealthy people. It is also a fallacy to assume only racists support Trump, as I am a pretty big supporter.
"Kids from wealthy backgrounds start off with a better network."
does this not indicate a socio economic advantage, rather than a race advantage?
read the edit
okay, I will humor you. wall street is full of racists. now what?
Russia must have hacked the OP's account.
Extended knowledge or extensive knowledge? Maybe it was your poor attitude or your lack of attention to detail that made BBG turn you down.
You have some valid concerns but your delivery makes it extremely difficult to take this as anything other than a troll.
i
Have you ever considered that it's your piss-poor attitude and chip-on-your-shoulder that rubs people the wrong way, and not your race?
n
It doesn't help that you said "2%" and "the other 64%"
i
Ah yes, the other other
I agree bobthebaker, may be a troll, but I'll bite.
I'm mixed (black & white) and am in PWM so take what I have with a grain of salt.
OP, racism is still very much out there, but obviously more subtle. there's nothing you can do about it so you have to learn to rise up and overcome. you mention you were overqualified, perhaps this was the reason you got passed over (believe it or not, that happens). perhaps you didn't crush the interview like you thought you did, or perhaps the interviewer is a bigot asshole. either way, move on.
the absolute worst thing you can be as a young black man is a victim. if you believe people are treating you differently because you are black, then you are most certainly acting differently around those you perceive to be prejudiced. this could create a feedback loop.
there have been a couple of wise things said about black people on the street here, but mostly not so wise. blacks historically have been at a socioeconomic disadvantage in this country, and traditionally the street is populated by WASPy types. a big part of breaking in is connecting with your interviewer and networking. if you were sitting across from someone who went to philips exeter, wharton, and grew up splitting time between lacrosse tournaments and sailing at martha's vineyard, how much would you feel a connection to this person? not much, and this is a subtlety that's not overtly racist but definitely subconscious discrimination based upon socioeconomic differences. this I think is the biggest obstacle for black kids from inner cities.
OP, if you are articulate, have practiced interviews, have a solid resume, have been networking, and have a positive attitude, you cannot lose. it will take longer for you than others, but it's the world in which we live. your downfalls can be numerous: if you believe the world is out to get you, you will not try as hard, but if you take the attitude that while the cards may be stacked against you, there's nothing you can't overcome, you will win. you may need more interviews, more networking coffees, and more work on the soft skills, but you can do it. it's not fair, but the world isn't fair.
for some inspiration, check this thread out, black girl from the inner cities made it to the AM side: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/from-homeless-to-front-office
best of luck
as usual thebrofessor keeps it real.
Excellent post (particularly about how one's mindset can either deter you if you already have a negative outlook or allow you to overcome challenges). Also OP, if you yourself can become successful in spite of fewer opportunities or limitations vs. your more privileged peers, it will enable you with the winning mindset and tenacity to kill it later on. And down the line you can help out others like yourself one day. I'm a minority too (though one that's common in finance), and can get how it's frustrating when you don't have the same initial advantages. But it is what it is, and instead you just need to hustle, network, find sponsors who will support you, and all that other jazz.
Very good link From WSO to read - that woman's story was inspirational.
Also check out Tristan Walker's podcast. I believe in this one he touches on how he grew up poor, but managed to find some good people looking out for him and how he hustled to get where he is. https://www.google.ca/amp/www.recode.net/platform/amp/2016/8/22/1257744…
Unrelated- now I'm curious if thebrofessor is attractive given he's mixed (per the stereotype).
the avatar is a picture of me, you be the judge.
"traditionally the street is populated by WASPy types. a big part of breaking in is connecting with your interviewer and networking. if you were sitting across from someone who went to philips exeter, wharton, and grew up splitting time between lacrosse tournaments and sailing at martha's vineyard, how much would you feel a connection to this person? not much, and this is a subtlety that's not overtly racist but definitely subconscious discrimination based upon socioeconomic differences. this I think is the biggest obstacle for black kids from inner cities."
+1 excellent statement and one that people usually dismiss as nonsense
Ignoring the truths and falsehoods of your claim, you should not be so quick to write-off an entire group of people as it may hurt your point.
can't say from OP's perspective...but as an international Chinese student who needs Visa sponsor, the 'find a job' process is really, really, really, really, really hard. But what can i say? Long before I decided to enter this field I knew that it is a place full of white supremacy. Well, I'm only doing something I enjoy and why should I care about what other people think of me? It is hard to find a job and it is hard to get promoted but there's hardly anything that's impossible. I'd like to show my support... being discriminated against doesn't feel good and I also wanna tell you to have a positive attitude :)
Yeah how absurd of american companies choosing american candidates in america. I'd REALLY read the brofessor's post because you're totally missing his point. They aren't saying "oh she's chinese so f**k her", they are saying "we have zero in common with this person and can't identify with her in the slightest". Not saying that's right but it's the way it seems to be.
precisely. but someone will eventually give OP and Jojo a chance. someone will say "you know what, this person seems like they're a hard worker, and it can't be easy being in their shoes," and that, ladies & gentlemen, is how careers get started.
yeah..actually i'm not replying to brofessor but to OP haha. just want to let him know that he's not alone and he needs to cheer up
Aperiam quam reiciendis est non. Optio voluptatum blanditiis possimus quaerat. Iusto aspernatur ut odit. Eos est alias libero nemo et mollitia. Eum vel eum deleniti.
Voluptas exercitationem modi omnis enim excepturi. Alias quis explicabo sit est qui ea blanditiis. Corrupti accusantium aliquid eaque non sed sit. Quod culpa et esse dignissimos ipsa veniam.
Eos ea nihil pariatur commodi voluptatibus quia impedit ad. In neque sunt quibusdam quas fugit cum a. Qui quo molestiae enim totam est. Omnis ipsa sit quia dolorem qui consequatur quis in. Quaerat quidem accusamus vitae dolorem quis.
Est in sit officia. Iure dolore necessitatibus pariatur aut consequatur. Labore voluptas in ex non. Dignissimos repudiandae voluptatum quis est voluptas id. Libero accusantium quia voluptas dolorem consequatur cum.
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