Recruiting While Abroad? I Got You, Queen.

BY sanya lopes

The infamous word– recruiting– usually sends everyone into orbit. When I was a freshman, it sent shivers down my spine even when I didn’t even really know what it meant. First, if you’re a freshman, please don’t worry yet– my only advice is to talk to as many upperclassmen as possible who are going into different fields to figure out the area you might want to apply to. Once you hit sophomore year, and you want to go into finance, this is where your recruiting journey begins. It’s best to be in New York during your sophomore year, especially sophomore spring, for recruiting– this is what everyone will tell you.

My journey has been a little different: as part of the BPE program, I am required to study abroad for my entire sophomore year– London in the Fall and Madrid in the Spring. This setup is not necessarily ideal for recruiting, but it can certainly be done. Here are some of my favorite pieces of advice I’ve collected from friends, upperclassmen, and my own experiences! 

Understand your recruiting timeline

Your timeline will differ depending on what you want to enter (i.e., Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, Asset/Wealth Management, etc.). Investment Banking, for example, is one of the first divisions to recruit: you’ll see these applications opening for your junior summer around January of your sophomore year. However, for S&T and AM, the applications open around March. In addition, if you fall within the diversity categories for specific programs, those will all open within the fall of your sophomore year. So, talk to upperclassmen who have recruited for the field you’re looking into and get a good sense of your timeline. 

Set aside ≥1 hour a week

This is really important. Time tends to move fast when you’re studying abroad, traveling Europe, and enjoying life. Your weekends are booked with travel, and your weekdays are booked with schoolwork; because of this, it’s crucial to set aside at least 1 hour a week for recruiting work– this includes doing anything related to recruiting (ex., finding applications, applying to programs, going over technicals, sending emails, etc.)

Create a spreadsheet

This spreadsheet is what we will call our girl-boss master guide. I want you to list all the firms you’re considering, when their applications open, what is needed to submit them, your progress with completing them, etc. Add any categories you can think of that would be helpful to you. (Tip: use Notion to make it more aesthetic)

Constantly check OPENINGS/DEADLINES

Now that you know your timeline, make sure that you’re always keeping an eye on when applications relevant to you open and close. These are probably the most critical columns on your spreadsheet. Applying close to the date an application opens is super important, and, of course, making sure you get it in by the deadline is even more critical.

Zoom (coffee chats, info sessions, etc.)

Not being in New York takes away the ability to attend in-person information sessions, networking events, and coffee chats held by clubs at Stern, but that’s why Zoom was created. Keep an eye out for sessions you can attend virtually and send out networking emails to professionals asking for a call via Zoom; most often, it’s the method that works best for their busy schedules. TRIPLE CHECK TIMING because of time zone differences– I cannot stress this enough. 

Review technicals EARLY

I know “technicals” doesn’t necessarily have the best connotation; however, it’s not as bad as it sounds– starting early is the key. Talk to your upperclassmen friends about what they used to study technicals for their interviews; for IB, you have the 400-question-guide. There are many guides online, but it’s always good to check with upperclassmen who have gone through interviews for technical help.

MAKE IT FUN

Superday in Provence 

For this one, I have a story. I had just returned to Madrid from New York from a diversity event I had attended for a firm, where we had first-round interviews. After arriving, I had a week filled with midterms that occupied my mind. Luckily, spring break was the week after midterms, so I would finally have time to take a break. The recruiting process for that firm slipped my mind until I got an email saying that I earned the Superday (this is just a day where you have multiple interviews, usually three, and find out about your acceptance or rejection to the program a few days after). I would be in Provence, France, for spring break on the day the interviews were scheduled. 

I studied throughout the break until the day arrived, and when it did, I realized that I am so fortunate to be in the south of France for spring break and have received this Superday all at the same time. It wasn’t an inconvenience but a blessing, so I treated the day as such. I woke up early to study at a cafe while sipping on a latte. After giving my first interview, I had a bit of a break, so I walked to a local restaurant and grabbed lunch. I took that to the balcony of our Airbnb, where I continued studying until my following interviews. 

Weaving in little things that make you happy throughout the process is so important and something that isn’t talked about enough. People tend to make recruiting their lives, but that doesn’t have to be how your journey pans out. Find pockets of happiness, and make your journey unique. 

It’ll take a lot of effort, but you can do it. One of the positives of studying abroad while recruiting is that you won’t have to be in the toxic environment we know naturally happens around this time at school. These tips can be used for any field: finance, consulting, project management, and way more; another thing is not to limit yourself to the popular paths that Sternies go through– find your own! Just stay focused, take it step by step, and breathe! You’ll end up where you’re meant to be. I believe in you, queen.