The Secret of Breaking Into Banking from a Non-Target School
Mindset Is Key for Success in Recruiting
One of the biggest mistakes I often see is people letting others define what is possible for them. For example, many students from non-target schools hear on forums like Wall Street Oasis that if you come from a non-target school, you probably won't be able to break into investment banking. Or, if your GPA is below 3.7, your chances are slim. However, we've had clients facing these same challenges who have successfully secured positions in investment banking.
What really helps our clients is being part of a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards the same goal. Seeing other students from similar backgrounds achieve success by following a proven process can be incredibly motivating. There's a saying: "If you believe you can, you're right; if you believe you can't, you're also right." It's crucial to tune out the noise, focus on what you can control, and work diligently towards your desired outcome.
Non-Target Student Mentality
We firmly believe that students from non-target schools can be just as competitive as those from target schools. Yes, it might require extra effort, but getting into an elite bank is entirely possible if you know what you're doing. A significant part of this journey is belief. If you constantly hear, "You can't do this," it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The right mindset and belief are half the battle.
Walking into an interview with a defeatist attitude, thinking others are more qualified because they're from Stanford or Berkeley, is a recipe for failure. On the contrary, our program shows that students from all kinds of schools, even those not typically associated with Wall Street, can be incredibly successful. Seeing peers from lesser-known schools excel in the recruiting process opened my students eyes to the fact that anyone can achieve these job offers with the right approach and determination.
Client Success Story: Perseverance Pays Off
One of our clients reflected on their journey and the challenges they faced as a non-target school student: "I had no idea what the necessary steps were, especially for those of you out there who are maybe non-target students—UC Irvine, maybe UC Davis, UC San Diego. The reality is that we don't really have that many alumni out there who are gonna be vouching for you. So you gotta be reaching out to people who have no connection to you whatsoever. Try to convince them that you're good enough of a candidate and that they like you enough so that they will push for you to get that offer. So you just really want to stack the odds in your favor as much as possible."
This experience shows that even students from non-target schools have the opportunity to break into the competitive field of investment banking. With perseverance, a proactive approach, and a clear understanding of the steps needed, success is entirely within reach.
Conclusion
Your background or the school you attend doesn't define your potential to succeed in investment banking. It's about mindset, belief, and perseverance. Surround yourself with a community that supports your goals, follow a proven process, and remember: if you believe in your ability to succeed, you've already won half the battle. Don't let others set your limits—set your own. Investing in the right guidance and mentorship can make all the difference in achieving your career aspirations.
Need help navigating through this process?
If you’re someone who’s struggled to break into investment banking on your own but you’re still holding out hope, I hope I gave you more clarity on some of the different paths you might want to consider.
If you ever need help navigating through this complicated process — please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here: wallstmastermind.com/apply
About me
As a former Morgan Stanley banker, my mission through starting Wall Street Mastermind—the original and premier Wall Street coaching program since 2018—is to help our students secure the highest-paying, most prestigious jobs on Wall Street.
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Don't let others limit your potential!