Lateral Strategy / Options

I'm finishing up my first year at an industrials / automotive focused boutique and looking to lateral to a larger bank (top MM, EB, BB) in NYC. I've been applying to open positions on various company sites, but I think my GPA (3.0 / Target / STEM) is preventing me from getting traction.

What is my best course of action? Should I try aggressively networking and forego the resume drops? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

3 Comments
 
Best Response

The biggest source for lateral hires is referrals/word of mouth (e.g. the staffer will ask the analysts and associates if they know anyone). Some times these positions aren't even posted publicly.

If the above is not applicable to you (e.g. you dont know people in the bank or group which are hiring) and there is a position posted online, make an effort to get to know people (e.g. networking + resume drop is your best bet). Find people at said group/bank on linkedin, and reach out to discuss the group, their experience, and what they're looking for in a candidate (they wont be under any false illusions, so I personally would get straight to the point and mention you are highly interested in their group). Make sure you highlight your strengths, since they'll be 10x more likely to respond to someone WITH banking experience that can actually hit the job running.

Good luck!

 

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