The Non-Target Playbook: Break Into Goldman Without the "Right" Background

I got into Goldman Sachs TMT investment banking without a finance degree, without a target school, and without knowing anyone on the inside. I built my path from scratch across three different sectors — biotech IR, gaming and real estate IB at Wells Fargo, then Goldman — through cold outreach and positioning my non-traditional background as an asset. This package is for non-finance majors, non-target school students, and anyone who has been told their background disqualifies them. It does not. What we cover: • How to reframe your non-traditional background into a compelling story that bankers actually remember • How to identify which banks and groups are most accessible to non-target candidates • How to build a pipeline of coffee chats without knowing anyone in the industry • Resume positioning that highlights what you have rather than apologizing for what you don’t • Interview preparation focused on your why story — which is your biggest edge as a non-traditional candidate