#LostStudent #CareerAdvice #Internships #InvestmentBanking #MBAPath
π Lost student looking for advice π
Hey there, fellow lost student! It’s totally okay to be feeling a bit overwhelmed about your career path, especially when it feels like you’re running out of time. But fear not, because I’m here to help guide you through this confusing maze of internships, job hunting, and potential career paths.
First off, let me commend you for seeking out advice and being proactive about your future. It shows that you’re motivated and determined to find the right path for yourself, and that’s already a huge step in the right direction. So let’s dive into your questions and see if we can find some clarity for you.
**Identifying the Right Career Path**
It sounds like you’ve had a bit of a winding road in terms of internships and experiences, and that’s totally normal. Many students, myself included, have explored different industries and roles before finding the one that truly resonates with them. Here are a few pointers to help you narrow down your options:
***1. Skillset for Lateral Move to Investment Banking***
Since your ultimate goal is to lateral into investment banking (IB) or pursue an MBA down the road, it’s important to start honing the necessary skills that will make you a strong candidate for these paths. Here are some roles to consider:
– Financial Analyst: This role will give you exposure to financial modeling, valuation, and other key skills required for IB.
– Business Development Associate: This position will allow you to build a strong network and gain experience in deal-making, which is valuable in IB.
– Equity Research Associate: Working in equity research will sharpen your analytical and research abilities, which are highly prized in IB.
***2. Attainable Roles Given Your Background***
It’s crucial to be realistic about the roles you’re pursuing, especially given your resume and experiences so far. Here are some roles that you might consider:
– Commercial Real Estate Analyst: Given your background in commercial real estate investments, this role leverages your existing skills while providing exposure to finance and deals.
– Trader at a Hedge Fund: Your experience in buy-side trading could make you a strong candidate for a trading position within a hedge fund, which can be a stepping stone toward IB.
***3. Elements of a Job You Love***
Lastly, consider the elements of a job that you truly enjoy. For instance, you mentioned that you enjoy project/deal-driven work, which is a valuable insight. Look for roles that align with this aspect, even if they may not seem directly related to IB at first glance.
**Crafting Your Resume**
A strong resume can make all the difference in securing the right opportunities. Here are a few tips for improving your resume:
– Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills such as financial analysis, project management, and critical thinking that are relevant to roles in IB or related fields.
– Show Impact: Use specific examples from your internships to demonstrate the results you’ve achieved and the value you’ve added to the organizations you’ve worked with.
– Tailor Your Content: Customize your resume for each role you apply for, focusing on the aspects of your experience that are most relevant to the position.
**Seeking Mentorship and Networking Opportunities**
Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the fields you’re interested in. Finding a mentor who can guide you or connecting with individuals working in roles you aspire to can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities.
I hope this guidance helps steer you in the right direction as you navigate your next steps. Remember, it’s okay to feel lost at times, but it’s the ability to seek guidance and take proactive steps that ultimately lead us to our desired destinations. Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have further questions! π
What does the two GPAs mean? Like how you have 3.6/4.0
Think of the role that allow you learn how companies raises capital, for internal working capital needs, to pay dividends to shareholders or partners, to execute acquisitions, etc. Seek real companies (i.e. not banks) that are really active in this regard, i.e. portfolio firms, sometimes with PE-backing, holding companies, etc.
Ex banker here (M&A). First off, great resume, especially if you want to break into Sales & Trading, you are way too technical for M&A role π One tiny comment on your 2nd experience, bullet 1, instead of saying exceeding annual investment target by 13% (which obviously everyone knows you didn’t do it personally as an intern), add how exactly did you ‘facilitate’ these acquisitions, e.g. by preparing memos, financials, or doing research on X, or supporting DD, etc. That way you put an actionable item in your bullet that you did yourself, rather than being more general.
I would say it’s pretty tough to lateral to IB in Tier 1 or 2, so if that’s your goal I would:
a. keep a close eye on off-cycle internships, depending on the bank, some have more off cycle ops than others.
b. network, network, network. If you think you have done enough, you really haven’t until you actually get the job. Sign up for the event updates for all the banks you want to apply for. Go to these events and meet people, if the person is not exactly in the team you want to work in, ask them to connect you with the teams you are interested in.
c. Use Linkedin to reach out your alum network, or cold call people. Make a list of 100 people and reach out to them, even if 1 in 10 replies, you will have 10 great connections, and if you get them to introduce to other people, you will get 2x that
I know banking hiring process can be intimidating, but definitely worth the push. Not sure if you considered, with your resume I would also try hedge funds, where the hiring cycle is less structured and also with your technical background you would be a great fit. Hope it helps and good luck!
For your scholarship does it have a proper name? If so i would put that as the $3k wouldnβt be relevant to a potential employer.
Would get rid of client name on the NIBC Global bullet – itβs technically MNPI, they mentioned that in the case brief
Don’t sweat it – many great careers don’t require a specific internship. Focus on networking, learning actively on the job and finding meaningful work you enjoy. The path isn’t always clear; with persistence opportunities will come.