I’m trying to prep for summer recruiting, but between university, networking events, and technical practice, I’m already exhausted - and it hasn’t even started. I want to give it my best shot, but I don’t want to crash halfway through the process. Has anyone good tips on how to survive?
Hi,
Totally get where you're coming from. It’s a demanding process, and feeling drained before things officially kick off happens more often than people think. As a career coach working with finance candidates, I always remind people this whole thing is a long game. You don’t need to be operating at full capacity every single day to get great results.
Try not to pressure yourself into doing everything all at once. You don’t need to attend every single event or crush every technical question right away. Focus on what’s actually helping you move forward. Build a few real connections. Keep your prep steady, even if it’s just a short, focused session each day. Being consistent matters way more than trying to go all in every moment.
If you’re already feeling low on energy, it’s a sign to pause and reset. Giving yourself space to rest doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It helps you stay sharp and actually show up as your best self when it counts. The people on the other side of the table can feel the difference.
And honestly, don’t do this alone. Talk to others going through it or who’ve already been there. Having a few people to check in with, vent to, or get perspective from makes a big difference. You’re doing more than enough, and you don’t have to push yourself to the limit to succeed.
Hope this helps and let me know if you want to talk about how to best organize your prep.
Regards,
Simon
Hey! ☺️
Simon gave great advice, and I’d add this from what I’ve seen: set small, realistic goals to avoid burnout, like mastering one technical topic per week or having a meaningful chat every few days.
Mix up your prep with different activities (e.g., swap a study session for a coffee chat or workout) to keep your energy up.
And don’t forget to celebrate small wins... they really help keep motivation high.
Feeling burned out before recruiting season is common, especially with the intense demands of university, networking, and technical prep. To manage this, prioritize energy allocation by focusing on high-impact activities: target 2-3 key networking events per week, practice technical questions in focused 1-hour blocks, and streamline your prep with resources like case study guides or platforms like Wall Street Oasis. Schedule downtime deliberately—even 30 minutes daily for exercise, meditation, or a hobby—to recharge mentally and avoid crashing. A clear calendar with prioritized tasks and built-in breaks can help you stay organized and reduce overwhelm.
Surviving recruiting season also means setting realistic goals and protecting your mindset. Break your prep into manageable chunks, like mastering 5 behavioral questions or 2 technical concepts weekly, to build confidence without overextending. Connect with peers or mentors for support; sharing experiences can normalize the stress and provide practical tips. If exhaustion persists, reassess your target firms to focus on those aligning most with your goals, reducing unnecessary applications. Staying consistent while preserving your well-being will help you perform at your best when recruiting kicks into high gear.
