Fellow Straight Asian Brothers...

Analyst 1 in IB-M&A

Anonymous

Non-Asian, non-target here

No, you are not fucked - I managed to land a top bank in a top group

You just to be proactive and demonstrate grit

I remember a VP at a lower-tier foreign bank telling me that she was impressed by my proactiveness because the bank had never heard of my school (and hence doesn't even look there)

Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - 2nd Year AnalystCertified Investment Banking Pro

Prospect in IB - Gen

Anonymous

Asian non-target with a strong IB background.

Just got to be proactive in the process, keep networking, maintain good GPA, have good internships experiences etc. This is really a people's industry, you have to even the playing field with your network. Cold applying may be harder but who cares, when your network just got you the first round interview and superday.

Intern in ER

Anonymous

You're not fucked. Just leverage your resources and start early. Was able to land top BB IB and AM offers from a non-target and low-income/first-gen background. Being Asian will not hinder you in any way in recruiting.

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - 2nd Year AnalystCertified Private Equity Pro

StonksOnlyGoUp

Monkey

StonksOnlyGoUp

Monkey

Most Helpful

Asian, target

I know that my school’s name and alumni network were extremely helpful throughout the process and I am grateful for that, but even coming from a target school, it feels like the odds are stacked against you. After extensive networking at every single bank, the opportunities were scarce. The grades and extracurriculars were there. I had relevant work experience as well. My networking conversations usually ended in me getting referrals (I received emails verifying they went through). But, it was still hard to get looks. Most of the time I didn’t even get first rounds. And in some Superdays, I was explicitly told that they would take a diversity candidate over me. That being said, the network was key and make sure you give such a great performance the interviews have no choice but to give you the offer. The process is difficult, but you’re definitely not fucked.

Intern in IB-M&A

Anonymous

Asian + nontarget here. Lower BB/high MM offer landed. Keep pushing!

Intern in HF - Other

Anonymous

Chinese, international, non-target.

Agreed that it's difficult on paper, but in my own experience not an insurmountable barrier. Even if we aren't "diverse" by HR standards, I think that interviewers are always intrigued when personalities don't match the stereotypes(wooden/meek or overeager/try-hard). In other words, if you are different from the stereotype in any way or form, play it up. I think that it creates a more memorable impression, especially if you have storytelling ability(seriously underrated IMHO).

Also, being an Asian guy sometimes means that interviewers don't even bother to check technicals/smarts - it's taken as a given. That being said, we get dinged extra hard if we miss them.

Authored by: Certified Hedge Fund Professional - 2nd Year AnalystCertified Hedge Fund Pro

skskkdkxkx

Monkey

Very inspirational! Do you remember in details how you got first rounds? And is it true that once you are in the interviewing process, your school name doesn't matter? Please PM me if you need privacy. I'm curious since I'm from simiar background but a rising sophomore.

Intern in HF - Other

Anonymous

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