FAQ

I am a December graduate, should I still apply?

The FPN is committed to helping as many UC San Diego students and alumni as possible. Please understand, however, that our primary objective is to build the brand of the university amongst top tier finance and consulting firms. That said, we may prioritize assisting internship-seeking and entry level job-seeking candidates as we build out the Network.

What happens after the application process?

Your application will be considered on your background as well as your level of interest and commitment. Matches and introductions will be made with the most appropriate Advisor or Mentor, however, not all students may be paired initially. If you are not placed with a professional in your vertical of interest, you may be directed to the General Mentor (Arpan or Raj) who will assist you until additional spots open up.

Is it difficult to get accepted as a Mentee?

At UCSD, we do not yet have the coursework necessary to build the skills that would be in use at a Wall Street firm. Equivalently, the process for students attempting to "break-in" to the industry is much more difficult; as such, students need to be prepared. The interview and selection process is a natural separation process to determine which candidates exemplify fulfillment of the criteria we have listed on the "what we look for" page. Preparation through this process will not only assist you in your development as a professional, but also it will prepare you for your search into the job market. Look over our criteria and be sure that you want to be a part of FPN, and that you are dedicated to success, and no matter what the outcome, you will succeed.

Is there additional coursework I can take to help me prepare for FPN / interviews ?

In our Resources page, we have listed the "Breaking into Investment Banking" Guide. This has a descriptive list of courses that you could potentially take as a student to help you better prepare for a finance interview. We will expand on this shortly, but this is an excellent starting point. You should also read any relevant Vault guides.

Any questions and comments should be directed to niemamostafavi@gmail.com.