UK non target - what can I do?

Going to non-target UK uni (York) later this month. I messed up my choices and chose to go there because I got a scholarship.

I’m very nervous seeing as the vast majority of IB recruiting is done only through the targets (and a little jealous, tbh). What can I do?

I have a little experience investing in stocks and stuff but that’s about it. Thanks.

 

Thank you for the reply. I recently learned about them, and will definitely apply. However I don’t know much at all about the technical side of things, how can I improve my knowledge so I can get through the interviews? (do they conduct interviews for spring weeks? - I don’t know)

 

York is definitely a non-target but have seen some students from there do very well recruiting. As you can tell from the advice above, it's all about what actions you take to position yourself well. Ideally, get a spring week or two, join a few relevant societies and from there just pursue what interests you the most. Like many, you might discover that's not IB! 

 

Thanks for the reply. When should I be applying for the spring weeks? I won’t arrive in uni till the end of the month due to visa delays and then will have to quarantine for 2 weeks so that throws a spanner in the works.

I did a bit of searching and I think GS applications have already begun, though I don’t have an updated resume or anything so I held off sending an application.

 

Different people approach this differently - if you'd rather send out a ton and want to get in early apply now! If you'd rather only apply to a few and want to do those applications better then wait till you start at uni get into some societies and then apply. Don't leave it too late though! By end of October I'd have finished up apps

 

non-target here, no offence but it does not seem like you are that switched on already to make it from a non-target. It is a lot of work. Best use this year and familiarise yourself with the whole industry, gain experience and transfer to a semi-target at least your life will be so easier even if u decide not to go with IB. That one year you think you are waisting will be nothing in the grand scheme of things and better than paying 50K out of pocket for a master.

 

Hi. Thanks for the candid reply. I am stuck in a bit when it comes to options right now; as an international, I’m paying a ton more in fees. York + 30% scholarship is already a stretch for my parents and I’ve already applied for a visa as well.

I don’t know for sure if IB is where I want to make a career yet and I don’t think my father would appreciate me wanting to large loans to maybe get a job in banking. Thus, you see how I’m in a bit of a weird spot. The only way I see myself taking a gap year is if my visa gets rejected, then maybe I can convince my parents.

For the masters: it wouldn’t be as much of an ask since I will obviously be clearer on my career aspirations and I’d be in a better position to justify the large amount of money in loans. The real hurdle will be getting admission into one of the top programs, since they’re much more competitive at the masters level.

I’m really trying to focus on the bright side at this point, I am where I am right now and if I have to go to York, you bet your ass I’ll make the most of it.

 

I hear you and I feel you too. I am in the same situation with even a full-ride scholarship so my decisions are even more limited since it is not my family that pays.

But the most important thing to break from a non-target and it is possible is to know very early that Banking is what you want. You don't have the luxury to test FO roles like people at target but it is deffo doable. Know a few people from York and should deffo reach out to them they would be a great help.

As soon as you decide that IB is for you it then becomes about application strategy and since you don't mind a master then you have time and it is deffo doable.

Master admission is actually easier you just need to smash your GMAT and have some work experience.

Happy to help you inbox but you deffo need to decide Banking is what you want and be willing to take the relevant steps.

 
Most Helpful

Whilst York is definitely not a "target" it's a strong school in the UK and part of the Russel group, no one will think you're a dummy for going there. Try reaching out to alum etc in banking i'm sure there are a few and if not try the big 4 corporate finance divisions (Still IB) and use that to pivot.

Don't spiral. This forum is mostly American and thus it vastly overestimates the concept of Target vs non-target as well as the importance of networking, things work differently in the U.K. you'll be okay

 

This may be true but this is not trying to break into Goldman from London Met. It's a solid respectable university albiet with little finance presence that I can't imagine many MM/Boutique recruiters turning their nose up at. Coming from a Semi-Target myself (Nottingham) It wasn't out of my grasp to get into a MM with BB interviews as well even without an economics degree so York shouldn't be too much of a problem 

 

Thanks for the reassuring words. I am sort of jumping between “I made a terrible decision” to “there’s still hope” every couple of hours.

If it matters, I am Indian. Does that make my chances better since I’ll be viewed as a “diversity candidate”?

 

You need to use the search box and find the thread titled the "20 most commonly asked questions in London recruitment" by Paneuropean monkey it will give you a very realistic overview of how to recruit into London. 

 

Sunt eius quia optio error excepturi repudiandae. Ea vitae est cum animi quo sint id. Ut iste ullam voluptatum laboriosam sapiente eveniet temporibus suscipit. Rerum aperiam impedit sit impedit delectus libero. Et molestiae sit magnam facere voluptatem quo.

Fugiat ut ipsum accusamus sunt velit. Deleniti dicta earum possimus nobis dignissimos iste rerum aperiam. Nesciunt enim voluptas quia. Aliquid quia doloremque totam ut vel cum animi. Est qui iusto repellendus ducimus aut eum. Numquam vel quam dignissimos aspernatur harum non.

Est et dolore aut eos. Ut non delectus hic consequuntur esse placeat. Tempore placeat illum inventore reprehenderit soluta et sint.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”