Do try FO (networking can make a very big difference on whether you get that interview) but hedge your bets and apply for MO roles as well. Even though you have a good profile, truth is others have even better and got Oxbridge/LSE/Imperial/UCL/Warwick written over their CVs.
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- Thread starter Trigger1
- Start date
No real finance exp is OK, but what else do you have? Knowing different programming languages is one thing; in itself it means zero as you should be able to demonstrate that you are indeed a pro in them on your CV (through having started your own tech venture or owning a website or sth).
No real finance exp is OK, but what else do you have? Knowing different programming languages is one thing; in itself it means zero as you should be able to demonstrate that you are indeed a pro in them on your CV (through having started your own tech venture or owning a website or sth).
Nothing like that as of yet, but I am planning on creating a website which encrypts files for you, are my grades/uni OK?
Creating a website in itself means close to zero (again, just like the ability to code programs). You'll have to show some strong tangibles from it: made X amount of pounds through selling premium features/gained X amount of unique visitors per day on average/etc.Nothing like that as of yet, but I am planning on creating a website which encrypts files for you, are my grades/uni OK?
Not sure if you understand the caliber of ppl you are competing with for FO. They have great academics, good connections (usually because of attending a->), top six university, and have captain/founder/athlete/volunteer in Africa/relevant internships/ you name it written all over their CVs. Not to say everybody who gets in are like that, but pretty much this is how competitive it is.
So if you are just planning on it, you obviously don't have anything. You also don't have real finance exp, which is OK in itself, but you don't have other stuff either (or you didn't mention them), and you go to bham to study chem eng. Unless you get some serious connections or you are an ethnic minority/female, don't bother with FO spring weeks, won't happen -> that being said later on FO summers are still viable, but you'll have to work real hard for them.
Creating a website in itself means close to zero (again, just like the ability to code programs). You'll have to show some strong tangibles from it: made X amount of pounds through selling premium features/gained X amount of unique visitors per day on average/etc.
Not sure if you understand the caliber of ppl you are competing with for FO. They have great academics, good connections (usually because of attending a->), top six university, and have captain/founder/athlete/volunteer in Africa/relevant internships/you name it written all over their CVs. Not to say everybody who gets in are like that, but pretty much this is how competitive it is.
So if you are just planning on it, you obviously don't have anything. You also don't have real finance exp, which is OK in itself, but you don't have other stuff either (or you didn't mention them), and you go to bham to study chem eng. Unless you get some serious connections or you are an ethnic minority/female, don't bother with FO spring weeks, won't happen -> that being said later on FO summers are still viable, but you'll have to work real hard for them.
Fair enough, thanks for the reply, perhaps i'll stick to chem eng (Bham has good rep for chem eng).
Creating a website in itself means close to zero (again, just like the ability to code programs). You'll have to show some strong tangibles from it: made X amount of pounds through selling premium features/gained X amount of unique visitors per day on average/etc.
Not sure if you understand the caliber of ppl you are competing with for FO. They have great academics, good connections (usually because of attending a->), top six university, and have captain/founder/athlete/volunteer in Africa/relevant internships/ you name it written all over their CVs. Not to say everybody who gets in are like that, but pretty much this is how competitive it is.
So if you are just planning on it, you obviously don't have anything. You also don't have real finance exp, which is OK in itself, but you don't have other stuff either (or you didn't mention them), and you go to bham to study chem eng. Unless you get some serious connections or you are an ethnic minority/female, don't bother with FO spring weeks, won't happen -> that being said later on FO summers are still viable, but you'll have to work real hard for them.
Also, what can I do to make myself a better candidate for FO summers?
Okay.Make it concise, get to the point and write it out coherently; don't ask questions like "What should i do?How important is the academical background (this has already been touched on btw, do your reading)?What to do to not fail miserably?".
I am from elsewhere in Europe,already done a year of engineering in my country,planning to apply for some UK universities.
My 12th year final scores were(1 to 10 scale):
9.50 Maths
9.70 Physics
7.60 native language
All 3 average is 8.90
Safest option i'd say is Nottingham.The adviser told me that my grades are good enough for their Economics,Maths and Management courses(for example:Financial Maths(A*AA-AAA) has a typical offer of 8 on average with 9 in Maths;Finance,Accounting and Management has an equivalent of 7.6 with no special requirement for Maths).
Another option is LSE Management(AAB).
There's no such thing as Further Maths here so i've been told that a good equivalent is to score better than A at Maths aka above 9 ,for programs were FM is important.
Having already done a year at college should not affect me negatively and in fact it will most likely help me as i've scored the equivalent of a First,as i've been told by the Nottingham adviser.
What course should i try for at Nottingham?I am not going to apply for 2 diferent courses as i've heard that it's not seen well.Tbh,i couldnt care less if its Eco,Finance or Maths as long as i have a good chance to get the offer.
Hi Lofaszjoska! Thanks a lot for making this thread!
I'm starting a Part-Time MSc Finance course at LSE , and want to know what my chances are, as I don't have IB experience:
Current job: Finance/Sales at Financial information firm (2 years exp. one year in USA and one year in London)
Brief overview:
Undergraduate at Top 20 USA uni
Intern experience with real estate, has DCF modelling experience for commercial real estate clients using Excel
I was wondering if you could help answer some questions:
1. What should I improve on for chances?
2. Have you heard of people in Part-Time Master's programmes breaking into IBD?
3. Is it possible for me to do a summer internship, and is it worth it considering I might have to do my 2nd year of the Msc without a job since I will need to quit my current one for the intern?
Once again, really appreciate the help!
I'm starting a Part-Time MSc Finance course at LSE , and want to know what my chances are, as I don't have IB experience:
Current job: Finance/Sales at Financial information firm (2 years exp. one year in USA and one year in London)
Brief overview:
Undergraduate at Top 20 USA uni
Intern experience with real estate, has DCF modelling experience for commercial real estate clients using Excel
I was wondering if you could help answer some questions:
1. What should I improve on for chances?
2. Have you heard of people in Part-Time Master's programmes breaking into IBD?
3. Is it possible for me to do a summer internship, and is it worth it considering I might have to do my 2nd year of the Msc without a job since I will need to quit my current one for the intern?
Once again, really appreciate the help!
Uh tbh I'm not sure, pass to @CTRL ES.Hi Lofaszjoska! Thanks a lot for making this thread!
I'm starting a Part-Time MSc Finance course at LSE , and want to know what my chances are, as I don't have IB experience:
Current job: Finance/Sales at Financial information firm (2 years exp. one year in USA and one year in London)
Brief overview:
Undergraduate at Top 20 USA uni
Intern experience with real estate, has DCF modelling experience for commercial real estate clients using Excel
I was wondering if you could help answer some questions:
1. What should I improve on for chances?
2. Have you heard of people in Part-Time Master's programmes breaking into IBD?
3. Is it possible for me to do a summer internship, and is it worth it considering I might have to do my 2nd year of the Msc without a job since I will need to quit my current one for the intern?
Once again, really appreciate the help!
Hey, what are my chances of landing a SW?
A*A*AA at A level.
Starting at UCL later this month, studying Economics.
No recent finance work experience, however I spent 2 weeks at BDO international in the summer of 2011. Would that be worth mentioning?
My basically my only extracurricular is swimming in an elite team (requiring 15 hours of training per week) from 2011-present, competing at regional level and winning a silver medal at the regional championships. I also have bronze DofE if thats worth a mention?
A*A*AA at A level.
Starting at UCL later this month, studying Economics.
No recent finance work experience, however I spent 2 weeks at BDO international in the summer of 2011. Would that be worth mentioning?
My basically my only extracurricular is swimming in an elite team (requiring 15 hours of training per week) from 2011-present, competing at regional level and winning a silver medal at the regional championships. I also have bronze DofE if thats worth a mention?
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Hi Lofaszjoska! Thanks a lot for making this thread!
I'm starting a Part-Time MSc Finance course at LSE , and want to know what my chances are, as I don't have IB experience:
Current job: Finance/Sales at Financial information firm (2 years exp. one year in USA and one year in London)
Brief overview:
Undergraduate at Top 20 USA uni
Intern experience with real estate, has DCF modelling experience for commercial real estate clients using Excel
I was wondering if you could help answer some questions:
1. What should I improve on for chances?
2. Have you heard of people in Part-Time Master's programmes breaking into IBD?
3. Is it possible for me to do a summer internship, and is it worth it considering I might have to do my 2nd year of the Msc without a job since I will need to quit my current one for the intern?
Once again, really appreciate the help!
I've only ever come across one person who did a PT MSc and broke into IB. That isn't to say its impossible but I don't want to speak out of my ass and say it happens often.
I am guessing you are at the likes of BB, Reuters, Factset? If so, they're decent names on the CV. If I was in your position, I would take two routes:
A) Get a linkedin premium membership for a month or two and message campus recruiters and ask for clarification. Alternatively, take their name from linkedin and use the company email format which is out there on the internet. In theory, you should be able to do a part-time masters and still apply for SA positions but the fine print in contracts can state 'full-time UG/PG programme'.
If recruiters let you take this option, apply, keep your current job and take the internship and secure the job. Then:
1) Network and see if there are shops looking to take long term interns. I know small boutiques and lesser-known MM firms will take on interns indefinitely when they need people. You're in London, a coffee is relatively easy to get with decision makers
2) Inquire about a firm's off-cycle internship. For example, one European bank does an autumn internship and that normally fills in gaps when analysts leave following their July/August bonus
3) Talk to a manager at your current firm and see if they need someone on a contractor basis. You need cash flow to make rent, pay bills and I'm assuming you want to keep your savings as untouched as possible
4) If the above 3 options don't pan out, do whatever you can to add value - ask to become a graduate research assistant for the final year of the PT MSc
B) The cost is almost c.£30K for the MSc? You work for another year and apply for an MBA. I would opt for a one year MBA at the likes of Insead, IE and Kellogg (the prestigious end) or Oxford SBS (the 'will get you a job' end). While these will set you back around 50k for the MBA alone, a SA spot as an associate would be a better way to enter than to do the MSc over two years and start as an analyst 1, that is if that route is possible. Then again, you are already enrolled so I don't know how easy it would be to leave and get a large chunk of your tuition back.
C) I know I said two routes but another one is to simply network. Convince a senior guy to go to bat for you and be willing to start from scratch.
You'll be attending UCL econ and these are good things what you mentioned. You'll be fine, just do your fair share of networking, therell be plenty of events at your school too (and get the finance society help you on apps).Hey, what are my chances of landing a SW?
A*A*AA at A level.
Starting at UCL later this month, studying Economics.
No recent finance work experience, however I spent 2 weeks at BDO international in the summer of 2011. Would that be worth mentioning?
My basically my only extracurricular is swimming in an elite team (requiring 15 hours of training per week) from 2011-present, competing at regional level and winning a silver medal at the regional championships. I also have bronze DofE if thats worth a mention?
I've only ever come across one person who did a PT MSc and broke into IB. That isn't to say its impossible but I don't want to speak out of my ass and say it happens often.
I am guessing you are at the likes of BB, Reuters, Factset? If so, they're decent names on the CV. If I was in your position, I would take two routes:
A) Get a linkedin premium membership for a month or two and message campus recruiters and ask for clarification. Alternatively, take their name from linkedin and use the company email format which is out there on the internet. In theory, you should be able to do a part-time masters and still apply for SA positions but the fine print in contracts can state 'full-time UG/PG programme'.
If recruiters let you take this option, apply, keep your current job and take the internship and secure the job. Then:
1) Network and see if there are shops looking to take long term interns. I know small boutiques and lesser-known MM firms will take on interns indefinitely when they need people. You're in London, a coffee is relatively easy to get with decision makers
2) Inquire about a firm's off-cycle internship. For example, one European bank does an autumn internship and that normally fills in gaps when analysts leave following their July/August bonus
3) Talk to a manager at your current firm and see if they need someone on a contractor basis. You need cash flow to make rent, pay bills and I'm assuming you want to keep your savings as untouched as possible
4) If the above 3 options don't pan out, do whatever you can to add value - ask to become a graduate research assistant for the final year of the PT MSc
B) The cost is almost c.£30K for the MSc? You work for another year and apply for an MBA. I would opt for a one year MBA at the likes of Insead, IE and Kellogg (the prestigious end) or Oxford SBS (the 'will get you a job' end). While these will set you back around 50k for the MBA alone, a SA spot as an associate would be a better way to enter than to do the MSc over two years and start as an analyst 1, that is if that route is possible. Then again, you are already enrolled so I don't know how easy it would be to leave and get a large chunk of your tuition back.
C) I know I said two routes but another one is to simply network. Convince a senior guy to go to bat for you and be willing to start from scratch.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this detailed reply! You have given by the far the most thoughtful answer to my dilemma that I have heard, and I'm definitely thinking this over more now.
First of all, I guess I want to get into an analyst programme because it just seems to be more flexible. If I become an associate, the general consensus seems to be that associates are in it for the long haul, as associates are expected to continue within the bank right?
Also, you are right that the MBA seems like the way to go. Plus, I haven't put down any money for LSE yet, so I can definitely withdraw with no repercussions. I guess it's just one of those dilemmas where it's hard to let go of an offer like LSE, especially since the MSc Finance programme appears to be very well regarded. I'm finding that my UG school is relatively unknown in London, so I might be being a bit naive in just how much my UG matters after work. 30K in the end does appear to be just for prestige and the alumni network. In your eyes, this does not appear to be justified right?
With that said, I think I'll go ahead and clarify the summer internship dilemma. I figure that even if I don't do anything for my final year, if I manage to get a full-time offer, then it shouldn't matter as much even if I do nothing? (not that I want to do nothing)
After all, a summer internship in IBD should be > than another year at my current firm I believe.
Lastly, do you remember by chance if the one person you met had prior IBD experience before the masters? Or did he jump from say BO to FO? I'll be sure to do some crazy networking to improve my chances if I can. Never know if someone's insane enough to take a shot on me haha.
Once again, thank you again for your help! Fantastic site, and I'm sure everyone appreciates you guys greatly!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this detailed reply! You have given by the far the most thoughtful answer to my dilemma that I have heard, and I'm definitely thinking this over more now.
First of all, I guess I want to get into an analyst programme because it just seems to be more flexible. If I become an associate, the general consensus seems to be that associates are in it for the long haul, as associates are expected to continue within the bank right?
Also, you are right that the MBA seems like the way to go. Plus, I haven't put down any money for LSE yet, so I can definitely withdraw with no repercussions. I guess it's just one of those dilemmas where it's hard to let go of an offer like LSE, especially since the MSc Finance programme appears to be very well regarded. I'm finding that my UG school is relatively unknown in London, so I might be being a bit naive in just how much my UG matters after work. 30K in the end does appear to be just for prestige and the alumni network. In your eyes, this does not appear to be justified right?
With that said, I think I'll go ahead and clarify the summer internship dilemma. I figure that even if I don't do anything for my final year, if I manage to get a full-time offer, then it shouldn't matter as much even if I do nothing? (not that I want to do nothing)
After all, a summer internship in IBD should be > than another year at my current firm I believe.
Lastly, do you remember by chance if the one person you met had prior IBD experience before the masters? Or did he jump from say BO to FO? I'll be sure to do some crazy networking to improve my chances if I can. Never know if someone's insane enough to take a shot on me haha.
Once again, thank you again for your help! Fantastic site, and I'm sure everyone appreciates you guys greatly!
Not necessarily. Don't be pinned down by the perception that flexibility is greatly diminished beyond analyst years, if you're looking for buyside ops. In America, the 2 year and out to PE is a common route, followed by biz school. In EU, it varies with associates and VP's making the jump. Things are a bit more rigid for megafunds.
It's not a case of justification - if it fulfils the end goal, go for it. Again, get in touch with recruiters. I was alluding more to towards it being a potential waste if you still have to network post masters in the eventuality that you are not eligible for SA spots as a PT MSc student.
You'll want to do something. Stagnancy doesn't go down well with HR. I suggested a boutique or MM firm just so you can get familiar with the nuances of the job.
He went from BO to FO but different firms, if I remember correctly.
Remember, a MBA is some what of a reset button for recruiting AND coming out of a good school like the ones I mentioned, you'd have to be bad at interviews not to land a SA.
intern1231
New member
- Sep
- 4
- 0
Target, Econ related, going into final year,
summer internship at tier 1 BB S&T, no return offer
Chance me> what I should do next: MSc, switch to other division?
Thanks.
summer internship at tier 1 BB S&T, no return offer
Chance me> what I should do next: MSc, switch to other division?
Thanks.
Real simple, apply to grad roles. You go to a target and have a BB summer under your belt, if you don't secure interviews and then a grad role out of them, it'll be only because you didn't prepare enough.Target, Econ related, going into final year,
summer internship at tier 1 BB S&T, no return offer
Chance me> what I should do next: MSc, switch to other division?
Thanks.
intern1231
New member
- Sep
- 4
- 0
Real simple, apply to grad roles. You go to a target and have a BB summer under your belt, if you don't secure interviews and then a grad role out of them, it'll be only because you didn't prepare enough.
Thanks for the reply.
Then do they view the "no-offer intern" as something rather -ve? (if the conversion rate is decent)
initial plan is to apply as many as possible, both summer and grad .
Grad recruiting is tough, so start networking NOW. Youll find plenty of (perhaps quite responsive) alumni at banks so really it's just a matter of how much time you devote to it. Also make sure you have a legit answer ready when they ask you why you didn't get a return offer, it'll obviously come up.Thanks for the reply.
Then do they view the "no-offer intern" as something rather -ve? (if the conversion rate is decent)
initial plan is to apply as many as possible, both summer and grad .
Tbh I'm not entirely sure about what's the most optimal thing to do given your situation: applying exclusively for summer, grad, or a mix of the two; others are welcomed to chime in as well.
intern1231
New member
- Sep
- 4
- 0
Grad recruiting is tough, so start networking NOW. Youll find plenty of (perhaps quite responsive) alumni at banks so really it's just a matter of how much time you devote to it. Also make sure you have a legit answer ready when they ask you why you didn't get a return offer, it'll obviously come up.
Tbh I'm not entirely sure about what's the most optimal thing to do given your situation: applying exclusively for summer, grad, or a mix of the two; others are welcomed to chime in as well.
will do, we all know it's a numbers game either way.
so, are you still at uni or working right now?
Hi chance me please for graduate roles IBD
WORK
big 4 assurance summer internship birmingham (received full time offer)
consulting summer internship (finance, tech, operational) at a 10 employee consulting firm (family owned)
Lloyds insight day
EDUCATION
economics at bristol university 1st in second year
course representative
treasurer of pokemon society
member of chess society
member of paintballing society
undertook M&A case study
I speak hindi and english
I really want to work in IBD audit is so boring. I dont think my CV is as good for graduate roles but i will try. will doing masters at a better university like oxford lse ucl help me if i dont get offer or take pwc instead? but i read it is impossible to go big 4 to IBD so maybe masters?
WORK
big 4 assurance summer internship birmingham (received full time offer)
consulting summer internship (finance, tech, operational) at a 10 employee consulting firm (family owned)
Lloyds insight day
EDUCATION
economics at bristol university 1st in second year
course representative
treasurer of pokemon society
member of chess society
member of paintballing society
undertook M&A case study
I speak hindi and english
I really want to work in IBD audit is so boring. I dont think my CV is as good for graduate roles but i will try. will doing masters at a better university like oxford lse ucl help me if i dont get offer or take pwc instead? but i read it is impossible to go big 4 to IBD so maybe masters?
Mr. Exclusive1
New member
- Aug
- 53
- 1
Investment Banking
Hi chance me please for graduate roles IBD
WORK
big 4 assurance summer internship birmingham (received full time offer)
consulting summer internship (finance, tech, operational) at a 10 employee consulting firm (family owned)
Lloyds insight day
EDUCATION
economics at bristol university 1st in second year
course representative
treasurer of pokemon society
member of chess society
member of paintballing society
undertook M&A case study
I speak hindi and english
I really want to work in IBD audit is so boring. I dont think my CV is as good for graduate roles but i will try. will doing masters at a better university like oxford lse ucl help me if i dont get offer or take pwc instead? but i read it is impossible to go big 4 to IBD so maybe masters?
I honestly don't think you will secure a graduate role with your profile, not in IBD, or if you do, it will be extremely difficult. A Masters will definitely help you loads, especially if you can somehow combine it with an off-cycle internship (which is more achievable). It is possible to go from Big 4 to IBD but only usually if you are working in Corporate Finance, and even that, it isn't particularly easy.
Patrick H1
New member
- Sep
- 2
- 0
Hello, starting A&F at warwick with 3 A* (including maths) and an A at A level and with internships in wealth management, proprietary trading and equity research (small and mid-sized firms) and an internship with wall street oasis. Yet to start at uni for ECs but play guitar, various sports, maths tutoring, investment portfolio etc etc how would that look for a spring week application so far?
Mr. Exclusive1
New member
- Aug
- 53
- 1
Investment Banking
Hello, starting A&F at warwick with 3 A* (including maths) and an A at A level and with internships in wealth management, proprietary trading and equity research (small and mid-sized firms) and an internship with wall street oasis. Yet to start at uni for ECs but play guitar, various sports, maths tutoring, investment portfolio etc etc how would that look for a spring week application so far?
You should secure a few offers.
Patrick H1
New member
- Sep
- 2
- 0
Thanks a lot!
Expert #74511
New member
- Sep
- 7
- 0
I've already posted in the CV thread, but as I'm just preparing to send off the first applications proper now I'd just like a quick evaluation of my prospects. I'm looking for a spring week.
PPE at Oxford. A*A*AA at A-level (plus an A* in EPQ). Two week internship in 2013 at a bulge bracket bank's investment management EM equities desk, although I never had the chance to do much (it was more of an access event for people from families with low income); it was more talks and workshops than actual work. I'm monolingual. My volunteer work consists solely of helping out at a local library throughout last year. My interests are esoteric and not the sort of things you'd put on a CV (tabletop/p&p RPGs, reading excessively, writing, etc). I've yet to start uni to get stuck in to extracurriculars.
PPE at Oxford. A*A*AA at A-level (plus an A* in EPQ). Two week internship in 2013 at a bulge bracket bank's investment management EM equities desk, although I never had the chance to do much (it was more of an access event for people from families with low income); it was more talks and workshops than actual work. I'm monolingual. My volunteer work consists solely of helping out at a local library throughout last year. My interests are esoteric and not the sort of things you'd put on a CV (tabletop/p&p RPGs, reading excessively, writing, etc). I've yet to start uni to get stuck in to extracurriculars.