Hannibal's Crossing of the Alps (My TC Journey)

[svb risk management intern]

Hey everyone,

I have been thinking for quite some time to write about this journey because nothing good comes from just within. I thought that this could be an area where I can remember to apply and actually hold myself accountable. In terms of my background, I am about to graduate from a decent RG university, I have good grades, I have a vac scheme at a reputable firm and I also have middle east experience, where I have interned at 3 UK/US firms in the MENA region and one MENA firm where I gained experiences into a lot of different practice areas.

Aspirationally, I know I want to experience corporate and finance seats, but I also want the opportunity to go for competition and tech seats. So its very wide and I do tailor my applications depending on the firm's strengths but I find myself interested in these areas for certain.

I have done 2 cycles, my first cycle I wrote 9 or so meh applications, but because I was a BA for the VS firm, I was automatically invited to interview and then I dazzled them with some securitisation knowledge (re: I misrepresented that D2E swaps are a product when they are the mechanism). However, after not converting my VS into a TC, I felt some concern as an international student and academically, but I also knew that I could work hard to ensure I get to that place. This cycle I wrote 18 applications, and I actually liked a few of them. However, I only got one VI, a few test invites (which I then messed up due to issues in prioritisation), but ultimately I learnt a lot. For example, I learnt that Jones Day really does get back to you within 15 days, was pleasantly surprised there.

I know theres a good amount of Direct TCs still open, and seeing as a lot of firms align with my practice area interests, I will be getting back into applying to them properly. I have 10 applications remaining, and these are the ones I am considering:

Reed Smith
Eversheds
RPC
WFW
HFW
Macfarlanes
White & Case
Stephenson Harwood

I'm going to set a time on the weekend where I talk to you all about the processes and what I did in the week.

Amat victoria curam.

 

[Amma Usman]

Amat Victoria Curam - Victory loves careful preparation.

This is a new phrase to me - I just googled the meaning. A very powerful one. Thanks for sharing.

Your journey is a really beautiful one, and I’m so glad you’re using this platform as a means to hold yourself accountable. I always say this is the most important part of a successful TC application - accountability. Accountability is what keeps the spirit going, when motivation does not. I have been in many situations myself, where my motivation slipped. What helped me was getting some sort of tracker where I would keep track of my applications, what I thought I could improve on, and most importantly, how I could improve on them.

The experience you’ve gotten from the previous VS, other internships, and even different regions, places you in a very good position to talk about the aspect of cross-border work, particularly if the firms you are applying to have strong presences/niches in those areas.

Familiarizing yourself with the other stages of the app. process, like any tests ahead of time would also be helpful as often times firms may give deadlines of 5-7 days from when the test is sent.

Best of luck on this! I’m loving this thread already!

 

[svb risk management intern]

Thank you so much Amma for this. I think you really are right to say that first point. It is often that I can tell my motivation has dwindled but I have to submit a WGT or a VI. Two times this cycle I chose to think 'oh I need to do my WGT prep or my VI prep' when instead I did not do anything. I want to change that, not just for the purpose of the application but also for what it represents in my life. I can either stress about a situation, or choose to act on it. This time I will make sure I act.

I'll update this thread with this week's work soon!