Recent grad ->> New York for finance. No job lined up

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and would like some recommendations on my upcoming move to NYC. I read a few older threads on similar topics and got an idea of the difficult situation I'm in considering I graduated from a non-target (UCSB, to be specific). Any comments, recommendations, and insights that can help prepare me for the job hunt ahead is much appreciated.

Here are my credentials:
- I graduated with a 3.75 GPA in Economics and Mathematics
- I'm a male, but not white.
- I interned at Northwestern Mutual; turned down their offer
- I took the CFA I exam in December, and am confident that I passed (though we don't find out until February)
- I have about 15 thousand dollars saved up
- I have a free place to stay in Brooklyn, 10 minutes from the subway.
- My ultimate goal is to land something in the BB (IB/ER), but am willing start from boutiques, PWM and back-office small banks

Most people responded with "not a good idea" , "absurd" , "you'll regret it" in the other posts and I understand because the other OPs aren't as fortunate enough to have a free place to stay and many plan on relying on credit cards to survive. Given my circumstances, is the move rational? too risky? worth the shot?

Thanks in advance.

 
Best Response

First of all, you're going to have a blast in the NYC area. I think it was a wise choice you made to be on location during your search.

I would get a routine going. With a routine and a place like the gym you can hit up everyday, you're going to get to know a certain group of people that you will get to know over the upcoming months. Having a routine is great for networking.

They will ask what you do etc at some point and this is your chance to be direct. Always be direct. Tell them you're a recent graduate and are interested in IB/ER etc. If they don't know anything, they might know someone who does. Go from there.

Finally, keep the mentality that today or this week's efforts might not produce fruit for months. This could take a while. Keep at it and if you're tired, take a week vacation or something and then get back at it.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

On paper you seem like a good candidate. While I have heard many banks will be hiring at the start of the new year, I'd re-iterate what was already said and network with whoever you can.

Regarding having a routine, this will prevent you from going crazy with all the time you will have, and trust me you will have time (your college buds all have jobs);. I've been recovering from surgery the past x months and without a routine, which is the hardest thing to start and easiest thing to continue, I wouldn't be close to where I am today. This applies across many fields.

Down the road feel free to PM me if you're going crazy. I know all the tricks to the trade. I've been through hell and back.

“I’m not fat. I’m cultivating mass.”
 

That said it will still be difficult, while you turned down a job many employers are going to wonder or perhaps auto ding because of a gap in your resume and now having worked since graduation. The longer that goes the worse off for you. Additionally some banks for analyst level won’t hire anyone who’s not in school at the time of interviews. That said, it will be possible and you just need to commit significant time to getting a job as soon as possible

 

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