University of Houston -Non-Target-

Accounting/Finance major at the University of Houston looking to break into investment banking. ABSOLUTELY can not find any alum as investment banking analysts/associates/VPs/MDs. I've tried networking at Rice but to no avail. No relevant banking internships. WHAT DO I DO?

 
Best Response

Full Disclosure: I haven't been in your situation in any way but "non-target to IB" is a popular topic around WSO so here's what I got.

What year? I'm guessing you've tried Linkedin to find folks but, if you haven't, that's your best bet.

If you're a freshman, you should seriously consider a transfer to Tulane/A&M/UT/Rice if you have the grades and this is what you really want. Even if you don't get business at these schools (don't think there'd be an issue with Tulane), you still have a much better chance through those networks. Might still be worth it if you're a sophomore. I have no idea what type of network LSU has but you might want to look into them too.

If energy is your deal then just start calling banks in Houston and offer to work for free. Call HF/PE groups too. Like start calling IB/HF/PE today. After getting an internship, network your butt off and try and get a better internship (assuming you have two summers left) and then try and go FT with that company or a smaller bank assuming you can't catch on with a MM.

Whether you stay or go, get an internship or not, getting a 4.0 is a great step in showing your diligence and will be a big help when a small bank is looking at a kid from A&M with a 3.5 and a UH kid with a 4.0.

I have no reason to think that it's impossible for you to get into IB but it'll be extremely hard and you need to approach the job hunt/networking as a job in itself.

Good luck.

 

Omnis velit totam fuga cumque. Et qui eius repellendus omnis doloremque error voluptatem. Ullam eaque quae est vitae.

Non occaecati nihil harum veritatis tempore excepturi. Aliquam quae est animi nesciunt dolor. Nihil ducimus beatae laboriosam itaque in nemo. Necessitatibus voluptatem impedit voluptatem accusantium culpa.

Quibusdam dolor qui maiores dolorem quis. Aut ut ea voluptate in laudantium amet. Consequatur aut eum ut suscipit aut iusto rerum. Iusto cumque dicta id odit assumenda.

Libero ea porro necessitatibus at veritatis et ab. Autem voluptas aut non ab. Voluptatibus nesciunt a quasi unde et corporis consequatur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.9%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 04 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”