No return offer after summer
So return offers are coming out, and got a call from HR two days ago saying I was not able to get the offer.
I interned at a BB in non-US non-UK regions where my (previous) firm was able to get everyone back to office. What happened to me was that I was stuck in some third country (am still) and there is literally no way for me to leave unless I swim across the sea. The firm was kind enough to let me do the job remotely rather than rescinding my offer, while everyone else was in the office for 5+ weeks. So you get that...
I was trying to network (though weirdly) by calling people, but most of them were reluctant and would rather steer the conversation to the work part of our lives, and some even asked me why I would want to call them (shouldn't it be obvious?..) After one week, I gave up and tried my best on the job itself.
I could tell that I was one of the most hard-working interns at the firm. Stayed till at least 3am literally everyday, received good review from almost everyone, and several even said they would want me come back next year. Still, no return offer, and I am pretty sure that some of my intern fella who got quite bad reviews (making mistakes consistently, not being proactive enough, etc.) got the return.
Can't think of any other reasons why I couldn't receive the return offer rather than the fact that I was not sitting around in the office. Actually one MD who did not work with me very long told me outright that I was clearly disadvantaged since no one would be willing to vouch for me under my circumstances.
End of the day, don't really have any plan B. May delay graduation by a semester and recruit again for next summer internships (still some spots open) or do a master's degree and recruit again two years later and explain to my next interviewer the truth..
Appreciate any advice and suggestions. Thanks.
HK?
HK are still wfh as far as I know
You sound extremely reasonable and self-aware -- sounds like you just got a raw deal (FTers asking you why you'd want to talk to them? What a weird question to ask an intern). Just network like hell, have your story straight (which you already do, as you've explained it -- maybe add some details regarding what tasks you did on what kind of deals/projects) and try to get SOMEONE at the firm to vouch for you regarding the quality of your work and your positive attitude. Also, keep up with your technicals so that, when you do get a Zoom interview, you're prepared and know your stuff.
I know the non-return sucks and it's a huge bummer... but just focus on what you need to do to get your next job, email 5-10 people a day and there's a good chance that something will come up.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Actually I (and I believe almost everyone in my assigned teams and groups) did not have a ton of real work to do. Just endless meeting memo, endless translation (I speak four languages), endless RFP. I only got a feeling of Excel for less than 3 days in total and some PowerPoint work. Idk if it was just because I was not in the office and no one would trust me to do anything real.
The dealflow at my bank was quite poor too and virtually disastrous. No major deal was done during the summer, so there was really very few thing for interns to do (I did volunteer a lot and FTers said I was very proactive during my review sessions yet still no work).
Having trouble updating my resume now because I cannot remember anything impactful I have done.. all extremely dirty work.
Try to accentuate the powerpoint aspect, and spin it in a way that was beneficial to the assignment... but sounds like "work experience" isn't something you can lean into. Unlikely anyway that abbreviated summer experience would convince someone to hire you. But would definitely reach out to the people who gave you positive feedback and ask if they would put in the good word for you if you need a reference... and just construct persuasive (and confident, but not arrogant) emails and reasons as to why you're a good fit for the place, and why you can add value to the firm/department.
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