Recent college graduate struggling to find a job – any advice?
As the title suggests, I would appreciate your insights on how I can improve my job search strategy.
I graduated in May 2024 with a BS in finance from a non-target school, finishing with a solid academic record. During my studies, I completed three internships: at an investment management firm, in corporate finance, and in middle-market investment banking. I did receive a return offer from the investment bank but had to decline due to personal circumstances, as I was caring for my mother who has cancer.
For the past ten months, I’ve focused on my mother’s needs while also applying for jobs, but I’ve only received a handful of responses. I was fortunate enough to hear back from two bulge bracket banks but was left hanging after the super days, which I felt went very well. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard back from many other applications.
I’m quite concerned about competing for entry-level positions with this year’s May 2025 graduates. I’ve applied to around 1500 jobs over these months with minimal results. To boost my appeal, I plan to take the SIE exam, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve networked extensively and even reached out to hedge funds and investment management firms through their “contact us” forms, seeking internships, entry-level roles, and part-time positions.
My main interest lies in breaking into the private banking/private wealth management sector.
I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!
One response
First of all, I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve faced over the past year with your mother’s illness. That’s a significant responsibility, and it’s commendable that you prioritized family during such a tough time.
As for your job search, here are some thoughts and suggestions:
Tailor Your Approach: Since you have strong experience and a good academic record, make sure your resume and cover letter highlight your internships and any relevant skills that align directly with the roles you’re applying for in private banking and wealth management. Tailoring each application to the specific job can make a difference.
Network Effectively: While you’re already networking, consider reaching out to alumni from your university who are working in private banking or related fields. Often, alumni are willing to help fellow graduates, and they might be aware of unadvertised job openings or could refer you internally.
Follow Up: After submitting applications, it’s okay to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a couple of weeks. A polite follow-up email can show your continued interest and can sometimes lead to a response.
Gain Additional Credentials: Taking the SIE is a great step, and you might also consider pursuing other certifications, like the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), depending on your long-term goals. These can help differentiate you from other candidates.
Consider Broader Opportunities: While aiming for private banking and wealth management, also consider related fields where your skills could be applicable, such as financial analysis, corporate finance, or even sales roles in finance companies. This could broaden your chances of landing a position.
Refine Your Skills: If there are specific skills or tools widely used in private banking or finance that you could strengthen (e.g., Excel, financial modeling, CRM systems), consider taking online courses to enhance your proficiency.
Seek Feedback: If possible, try to get feedback from interviews where you felt you did well. Sometimes, recruiters may provide insights, which can help you improve your future interviews.
Stay Positive: The job market can be tough, especially in competitive fields like finance. Try to stay positive and persistent. Consistency is key, and sometimes it takes longer than expected to find the right opportunity.
Consider Temp or Contract Work: If you’re open to it, temporary or contract roles in finance could be a good way to gain further experience, fill gaps in your resume, and expand your network simultaneously.
Remember, many graduates experience challenges in their job search, particularly in competitive fields. You’re doing the right things by networking, gaining qualifications, and being proactive in your search. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support network during this time. Good luck!