I can't seem to get anywhere
I graduated from a non-target undergrad program 2 years ago, and have wasted the past 2 years applying for IB jobs and even regular finance with no luck. I am really smart. I also graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I have some wealth management experience and accounting also recently. Tried sending dozens of emails on linkedin and calling with no hope. Recently, I went through a 4 round interview process over 4 months for a PE company that had strong backing by a relative only to find out today after calling the company that I wasn't accepted due to my "experience".
Truth: First of, I'm a person with really high morals who is really blessed (don't go sayin that oh why didn't you get a job then) and I'm convinced that whoever I work for will gain the benefit. God tests those he loves the most, and makes them a test for others. I'm not one to beg either If someone doesn't want to give me a chance to explain myself, then simply they don't deserve me.
Back to my story. My issue is that I don't qualify for internships because I'm not a student. Second, I'm an immigrant from a third-world country so I don't have other family who can help. Third, it seems I won't be accepted for a target MBA for an associates unless I have top or relatively good experience. Either way, I want to be able to start now. I tried networking, but people always made false promises or didn't take me seriously cause I am not a guy (from what I sensed). But I'm really outspoken and have the skills. Anyways, if you have any polite advice then please let me know because I'm like at this crossroad with no real sense of what best direction. Thanks.
Teach for America or similar programs seem like a good move. I've seen a lot of profiles of people that have done that, and then either gone straight to analyst roles or MBA. Makes for a good story if you know what you're doing. Starting a business can't hurt. Get creative!
'> Disadvantaged third world immigrant '> Family connections gets you an interview at PE shop, even though you are not qualified
Pick one.
highly agree with the above statement...like seriously...wut?
Here's the thing. I realized that I come from a twisted family. Like everyone outside out of my parents, it's like jealousy and no one helps each other sadly. So my relative is close friends with my uncle and that was how otherwise we don't exist to them since you were so curious
I wasn't.
Don't loose heart! I know it sucks and your heart is aching with pain but please don't take it personally. The market can be brutal at times - at the entry level the truth is most people with a strong work ethic and a decent IQ can do the elite finance jobs. I struggled myself and so did my classmates. But persistence can take you a long way. Just keep trying - that is what works for me - after almost a year of unemployment and after several years of persistence and hard-work in banking I am now in private equity. I say that not to brag but to give you hope. I came from a nontraditional background. Perhaps you should look into startups - could be an amazing opportunity. Also reach out to professors - they often need research assistants etc - can be an amazing way to get into a good grad school. If all else fails you can always spin the save the world story and get a fellowship/work for a nonprofit - another great way to get into grad school. But most of all, please don't loose heart. You are smart, competent and worthy of great opportunities. Be persistent and be aggressive.
Thanks for your kind words! The thing is I've seen pretty much all IB jobs require top MBA experience, and I'm just puzzled at what angle to come to them given that I have lost so much time being treated like a puppet. Even GMAT I have yet to take.
where do you see that it requires top MBA experience lol
Try a non finance path to a top MBA program - consulting, research, nonprofits, fellowships - there r many great options out of finance that you may not be considering. Even if you got a great finance job as an analyst this is not a guaranteed entry into a top MBA program. In fact you might have an advantage coming from a nontraditional background. Start a company, do something out of the box. Who knows this could be a blessing in disguise - so many people do banking and then realize that they hate it - perhaps you will love whatever you do next. I know it's hard to consider other options when you think banking is your calling - but having done it for 3 years at top firms - trust me when I say it's not as great as people may think and there are many industries with interesting jobs, which can ultimately lead you to a high paying role or to investment banking if you please. Work for less, even for free for a bit doing something risky if you must. You have nothing to loose.
What are you good at? Start there and apply for positions where those strengths will be valued highly.
If its been 2 years, it may be time to start looking at doing something else.
Go for an MSF degree?
Get a bullshit ib internship and apply to msf programs. Accept that BB IB isn't happening (which is totally fine unless you're some prestige whore).
It's probably because of the attitude apparent in your post that you haven't landed anywhere.
Stop blaming your circumstances for everything. I've seen international students from "third world countries"make it into the industry. You said you've sent dozens of emails? Try sending hundreds.
Hundreds? I would send a hundred cold emails in one day, so unless you've literally sent thousands of emails and you still have no traction, nobody should be complaining because there's always someone out there working harder than you.
Go to a top law school- ur GPA is good enough, just do well on the LSAT and u can get into banking
Hey Finastic,
I've met a lot of people who have followed this route perhaps you should consider it. Although with your GPA, you might want to opt for grad school. I am 100% sure with a 3.9 you can get into at least one MBA in the top 10.
Credit Analysis in Corporate banking for one year, then apply to a Boutique IB looking for 1st year analysts. They will opt for you over recent grads with IB internships. After one year at the Boutique apply to a BB for a 1st/2nd year analyst role and voila. Essentially you'll be doing what you want when you work for the boutique and think of the one year in credit analysis as a time to finally generate some cash and move forward.
My younger brother is desperately trying to break into IB and if you've been applying hard at every single bank and every post on linkedin then you've probably competed with him. He has summer internship experience at a lower BB in IB and another internship at a boutique IB. His technicals are fucking stellar as well but the job market is tough. He's lost final round interviews at countless Boutiques to ppl with the background I stated above.
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