Am I cooked?
Sophomore @ semi target here. I have perfect grades, relevant coursework and a prior internship in finance, and now I think its over for me.
I'm trying to balance my life while also prepping for technicals and behavioral, and Im not sure if its too late for me. Everyone I know either is interviewing, has a superday lined up, or already has an offer for summer '25. Meanwhile I spent most of the past 4 months stressing over an internship for this summer, even though I didnt end up landing one in the end. I still have a long way to go to mastering interview questions, but I dont know if its worth it anymore. Please advise.
Time to lie about diversity.
You're definitely not "cooked." Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's important to remember that the path to securing internships in investment banking, especially at a competitive level, is often nonlinear and can vary greatly from one individual to another.
Here are a few steps you can take to improve your situation and continue your pursuit in the finance sector:
Continue Improving Interview Skills: Since you've identified mastering interview questions as a gap, focus on this area. Utilize resources like WSO's Interview Prep materials. Practice both technical and behavioral questions regularly. Consider mock interviews with peers or mentors who can provide constructive feedback.
Networking: Continue to build and leverage your network. Reach out to alumni from your school who are in the industry, attend networking events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Express your interest and seek advice. Networking can often lead to opportunities that aren't advertised publicly.
Consider Alternative Paths: If direct entry into a top investment bank is highly competitive, consider internships or roles in related fields or smaller firms. Experience in boutique banks, asset management firms, or even corporate finance roles can be valuable stepping stones.
Stay Positive and Persistent: The process is competitive and can be disheartening at times, but resilience is key. Your perfect grades and prior internship experience are significant advantages that you should continue to build upon.
Plan for Next Steps: If you're aiming for a summer '25 internship and feel behind, start preparing now. Early preparation can give you a significant advantage in the next recruiting cycle.
Remember, many successful professionals in finance have faced setbacks early in their careers. What matters most is your ability to learn from the experience and continue moving forward with determination.
Sources: Sophomore Summer Internship..too late?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/advice-for-sophomore-summer-internships?customgpt=1, Is it too late to get a boutique IB internship for Summer 2023? (sophomore), Tips for Freshman for The Sophomore IB Interview Process, Depressed from recruiting
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