Thanks WSO - Finally got an offer!

Fellow monkeys!

This post is long overdue but I recently received an offer from a BB (think GS/MS). I used thank you posts like these in the past as 'if they can do it, so can you' to keep me motivated. Took me over a year to get this offer and I'm really glad I stumbled on this website and went through the information posted here. Thank you to everyone here who, one way or another, helped me out - I don't think I'd be typing this out if it weren't for you members-of-the-animal-kingdom!

I come from a non-target background and went to a regional target to do a Masters program. Breezed through my undergrad with average grades, only to realize in my final year that things aren't going to work out if I continue working like this. Had a couple of finance internships (non-IBD) and really liked what IBD had to offer me. Decided to do a 2 year masters program, networked my way into 4 interviews at top BBs in my first year but didn't get a summer offer. Through feedback, I realized I knew my stuff but wasn't able to translate that into interest and passion for the role. Looked up videos and asked for feedback from most of my interviewers and I realized that one thing that successful kids were doing was having a genuine conversation with the interviewers about deals/markets/etc. I did that in my next 2 interviews and ended up getting offers at both firms.

Work hard. Keep at it. It'll pay off. I almost stopped with IBD and started applying to MO positions and other industries.

This has been immensely helpful for me and just some random tips that might help any of you guys still straddling along:
- Network. Not to get interviews or offers, but to build relationships. This is when things happens.
- Network. Got my current offer because someone pushed me to get an initial round interview. Don't think I'd ever have gotten it otherwise.
- Prepare for interviews like you would an exam. Know everything that they could possibly ask for. Don't make it sound like you have it prepared though.
- Most importantly, strike a conversation when it comes to interviews. With every interviewer. If they ask you what the weather is like, take the conversation to how the markets or a recent interesting deal. Then ask their take on it.
- Smile and laugh.
- Be interesting and try to find shared interests.
- Show enthusiasm, a passion for learning and the field you're applying for.

Thanks! :D

33 Comments
 

Congrats. I know you were going through the similar sorts of things as me (saw your posts on TSR/WSO, except at least you got interviews!) but I'm glad one of us finally broke in.

 
cbitters cujo.cabbie:

Congrats. I know you were going through the similar sorts of things as me (saw your posts on TSR/WSO, except at least you got interviews!) but I'm glad one of us finally broke in.

He tried to pay someone to get him a job?

Nope in terms of rejections/struggle etc.

 

Came up! Congrats

[quote=mbavsmfin]I don't wear watches bro. Because it's always MBA BALLER time! [/quote]
 

Congrats! Networking is very underrated. If I had to make one comment, I probably would not bring up the topic of deals/markets unless you're applying for S&T. If they talk about the weather, then you talk about the weather.

Good job and congrats again!

Bitch please, I love bananas! If you found my advice useful, hit me up with one.
 

Congrats bro! Don't stop just because you got an offer. Keep on working hard and learning to add value.

Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum
 

Well done. Congrats

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

I followed a similar pattern to yours. Graduated from a virtually unknown regional university in undergrad. Worked hard in non-exciting position for a huge firm for a years and then went to Masters at a target university to "reinvent" and "remarket" myself. I'm so glad things worked out for you. Congratulations! I'm still struggling to get access to my dream job. I have tried to network like crazy but with limited success. There have been so many close calls, I've lost count. I'm hanging in there because I don't want to look back five years from now and think to myself that I didn't try hard enough.

Good luck and let the real work begin!

 

I followed a similar pattern to yours. Graduated from a virtually unknown regional university in undergrad. Worked hard in non-exciting position for a huge firm for a years and then went to Masters at a target university to "reinvent" and "remarket" myself. I'm so glad things worked out for you. Congratulations! I'm still struggling to get access to my dream job. I have tried to network like crazy but with limited success. There have been so many close calls, I've lost count. I'm hanging in there because I don't want to look back five years from now and think to myself that I didn't try hard enough.

Good luck and let the real work begin!

 

Congrats. Could you tell me what kind of videos helped you, and what master program you pursued? (is it master of finance?) Thanks for the inspirational post!

 

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