Non-Target Junior That Hasn't Started Finance Classes

Hey Guys,

I've been at WSO for about a year now and I am finally posting for the first time. I wanted to get some feedback from some experienced wall streeters about my prospects on earning a respectable summer internship.

Quick background:
-Non-Target State school in upstate NY
-Finance/Econ Double Major with a 3.7 GPA
-Co-Captain of collegiate basketball team
-1 previous internship with NWM

My main concern is that I don't have the technical knowledge to really impress anyone. I picked up my finance major pretty late, so I will not be starting any finance classes until my second semester of junior year. I am not too worked up about my situation right now because I am going to enlist after I graduate (I'd like to break into banking after my service or possibly after an MBA). If anyone is willing to share their opinion I would appreciate it!

 
Best Response

I also come from a non-target with a 3.7 GPA and a double major in Finance/Economics. I also just received a full-time offer at a pretty reputable MM shop, which will start once I graduate in June. So to answer your question, you absolutely can break into the industry.

My advice to you coming from a non-target: NETWORK, NETWORK, and NETWORK. Make a list of all of the potential banks you would like to work for and reach out to employees via LinkedIn. It can be tedious and frustrating, but I promise it works. Eventually, you will gain some traction and hopefully find yourself slipping through the side door. Second, be proud of the school you went and make sure you talk about how coming from a non-target is challenging. Not all of us can just drop our resumes in an OCR mailbox and wait for BB recruiters to call. Going out of your way to achieve something shows that banking is really something you want to do.

Good Luck!

 

Not a problem. If you have more specific questions, I would be happy to answer them if you DM me. Us non-targets need to stick together and help each other out.

 

If you are graduating why are you not going the officer route? I'm a Vet and work in a BB and we have both enlisted and officer Vets but most enlisted out of HS and then went into college, or college then OCS (if not academy). Anyway, focus on the military and when you finally get deployed and have a bunch of time stock up your kindle with relevant reading...I'm not being sarcastic here, seriously do it. I got my MBA right after I left active duty, I would suggest going that route as well, it's a great way to transition. Good luck.

 

Reiciendis modi autem beatae aliquam minima fugiat. Eos repudiandae asperiores architecto hic eos alias. Reprehenderit quidem sint sed aut. Voluptatem eum illum repudiandae incidunt consequuntur.

Expedita quia tempore quis praesentium. Perspiciatis molestias qui fugit.

Autem repellat ea aliquam excepturi qui ut quo sunt. Et exercitationem et magnam fugiat. Nam id in doloremque exercitationem modi possimus voluptas.

Totam id veritatis quis sed mollitia rerum officiis. Odio ipsum neque quo quidem sed quis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 19 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (22) $375
  • Associates (93) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (69) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (149) $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

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...”