LBS MFA

Hey,


I am a senior at a U.S. semi-target. Interned with a BB's investment banking team this past summer (no return offer). I am planning on pursuing an MFA at LBS (or an MSF at another English university, e.g. LSE) and then breaking into London investment banking. I had a couple of questions:


1) Will London investment banking recruiting continue to be robust post-COVID-19?

2) Will my no return offer in the U.S. make it difficult for me to find SA or FT gigs in London?

3) Is it absolutely necessary to intern next summer (summer 2021) before I begin an MFA or MS program? I only ask because it seems that most people who attend the LBS MFA have multiple high-quality internships before they actually start the program - a combination of internships and off-cycle internships, this seems in contrast to the U.S. I know it's a little late in the recruiting cycle, but will I be able to apply to London internships assuming I am an incoming LBS MFA candidate (I have not applied yet, planning on applying early next year).

4) Will it be easier applying for SA gigs or FT gigs (for the summer of 2022). I have no issues doing an SA to break in, but I am wondering whether I will have to wait a whole year before I can then begin FT, or will I have the opportunity to begin soon after my internship?

5) Lastly, as a non-British or EU citizen, will I have any major issues pursuing opportunities at BB or EB banks, or MBB firms (which I would also like to pursue).


Thank you for all the help!

 
Most Helpful

Current student here. With prior BB experience you should apply FT next year. This year recruiting sucks honestly and its being really tough but next year is gonna boom for sure. However I would advise you against coming to London next year if ur not EU citizen, this will destroy 80% of your chances, am seeing this with classmates. Also just prepare for the fcking psycometric tests in advance, even if you know the partners at a BB you wont get an offer if you dont pass those tests. Goood luck!

 

1) We will always need fresh new analysts

2) As long as you have a valid reason for not getting one you'll be fine - you could say that you told your team then your masters plans and thus didn't extend an offer if you have no valid reason

3) Not a necessity - you can also intern after your masters (SA 2022) and start FT in January (2023) at a most banks. Doing your SA in 2021 would allow you to start FT in July 2022

4) FT is pretty funking hard these days - focus on OC/SA (read more here: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/20-most-frequently-asked-questio…)

5) Most do sponsor visas but note that you will be competing with European students that have done 2x6months off-cycles and speak multiple languages

 

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