Lost Return Offer, Now What?

I'm a senior at a non target liberal arts school graduating in May. I interned last summer at a no name boutique, like literally 5 men. Loved it though, and got along well with everyone. Got a return offer with the understanding that I was going to try and recruit full time for a bigger bank, but if that didn't work they would love to have me back.

Had some full time interviews but didn't convert anything, and decided it was time to commit to boutique. Now the principal has stopped answering my emails and it seems like the chance to return there has vanished.

Now I have no idea what to do. I've been applying to corporate finance positions, but haven't heard a single thing back even though I feel I have a reasonably decent resume. My primary goal right now is to get employment for next year, obviously, but I also do want to return to investment banking. I'm thinking about working for a year at whatever job I can find while grinding on the GMAT and then looking to do a top MsF. Thoughts and any advice would be very appreciated.

 
Best Response

So, you were a non target at a liberal arts school, and they gave you a return offer but you wanted to test the BB market?

I'm sorry this happened to you, but that was a solid lesson learned.

Network your ass off. Tell a better story and be honest. You were in a cushy spot thinking your job with them was locked in, but took that offer for granted. Cold message VPs on LinkedIn, don't make your search exclusive to BB, and be open to commercial/corporate banking opportunities.

At this point, your goal is to get another offer on the table. Keep your head up, get the fuck off of wall Street oasis and go make this shit happen. You got it.

 

I've sent three emails to the founder that haven't been returned over the course of ~1.5 months after him saying that he was no longer sure of the timeline on an analyst position following an email from me saying that I was ready to commit. Said I would be open to doing an internship or co-op somewhere else prior to start date if that was a better option for them. Also sent an email to the analyst I worked with who said he would follow up with founder and have him answer.

Definitely not done trying, and will start calling, but it's getting late in the game and I want to have a backup plan so I don't get stuck with nothing.

 

Here’s a tip that I got from a big timer when I was looking for my first internship. If you want to get something done, call them on the phone. Do not email them.

 

Got through finally after a few phone calls and more emails and got confirmation that they no longer have a space open for an analyst this year. I've been applying to corporate finance and commercial banking positions and following up with emails to people at the firms. Is this my best course of action at this point?

Is it a waste of my time to cold email boutiques at this late stage? I would obviously rather work at a different boutique than as a credit analyst, but I don't want to focus on this and not end up with anything. Should I try and get a summer internship at a bank and then see what I can do after that?

 

I come right out and ask if they have any positions and if they might be able to pass on your resume to a VP / MD / HR. Guys who email me wanting to get coffee and shit, dude i dont even have time to replace my toilet paper at home (not literally), dont have time to grab coffee with you. I appreciate those who are straight forward with their intentions. but then again everyone is different. just keep throwing darts at the board, hopefully one sticks. LinkedIn premium and emailing the HR who posted the job in the first place worked the best for me.

What concert costs 45 cents? 50 Cent feat. Nickelback.
 

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