Rejections and Midterms

Okay, it's been awhile. Here's an update.

I have been in the midst of midterms, so I have been unable to keep this blog updated as much as I would like.

First, I have received two rejections: one from ThinkEquity partners and one from Tristone Capital. Both have been for positions in an equity research capacity. My internship at FMI has been exciting and has provided me with many opportunities to display my skills and talents. As such, my resume is constantly being updated and I have been putting time into making these changes on the recruiting sites for many of the banks to which I have applied.

My trip to NYC last weekend never materialized, but it may be for the better: I had a huge presentation on Tuesday. Recently, I have begun speaking with my superiors at FMI about positions which may be available to me at the firm. I am keeping all of my options open at this point. I have also been pursuing several leads here in Denver. Come June, I don't want to leave myself hanging with no job in NYC or Denver.

Most of my work on my career search has been directed towards contacts through friends, family, and school. This has been an enjoyable learning experience.

Obviously it would be very nice to have a bit more success with my current search. However, I am not discouraged and am continuing on, putting in as much effort as I can possibly muster.

Interviews/Letters/NYC Trip

This morning I had an interview with the Capital Markets group of an IB in Denver. It went very well. The two guys that interviewed me were friendly and professional. I enjoyed it and, like the Janus interview, I wasn't nervous. This interview taught me that I need to prep some more for each interview. Particularly, I need to have someone ask me the usual generic questions and have me answer them in a way that is focused to the firm with which I am interviewing. My main goal for next time needs to be to make my answers more concise and to the point. I felt that my answers in this interview were vague and lacked focus. I know I can do better and I will next time.

I did not get card from my interviewers because they do not have them yet (the CMG is just starting up). However, I did email a thank you letter that also reinforced several points I made during the interview. Now's the waiting game to see when I get contact from them.

Tomorrow, I have what DU calls a "mock interview." This is a process that brings in real recruiters and HR types and they actually interview you for a job. At the end of the process, you are then critiqued on your performance. I am excited about the opportunity to receive immediate feedback on my performance, but I will be ticked if they aren't brutally honest.

Earlier this week I was forwarded a job posting for a rather well known IB and Equity Research group in NYC. I sent in a cover letter and resume on Tuesday night. As of yet, I have heard nothing. Within the posting itself, it stated that the Analysts under whom I would be working travel very often. I therefore plan to call the firm on Monday if I do not hear from them prior to then.

I spoke with another professor earlier this week and was able to get another handful of DU contacts in NYC. I just finished drafting emails to all of them and will reread them later this evening prior to sending them off.

I am tentatively planning a trip to NYC on February 15th through the 17th. As soon as I have an interview lined up for then, I am buying the tickets.