In my current situation, what advice could one give with regards to studies that could lead to a career in investment banking?

Hi

So I am currently seeking advice with regards to subject/degree choice with regards to a career in investment banking.

Currently I am a 3rd year Geology major at Rhodes university in South Africa. I had my doubts about my career choice from day 1, but decided to just go on through it. After 6 weeks of work experience at acacia gold mine in Tanzania and a few weeks of various work experience across mines in South Africa, I have decided it is not a field of work that I wish to pursue. I plan to just complete my undergrad degree and apply for a BCOM degree elsewhere. Might perhaps seek bursary opportunities, some advice with regards to this would be appreciated.

I have done a fair amount of research with regards to investment banking. Prop trading, somewhat interests me. I have thought of applying for a BCOM acc degree at the university of Cape Town, WITS is also an option. Just not entirely sure what other subject choices would be be beneficial? Finance, Economics, Maths?

I know this would be sometime in the future, but I would like to perhaps write the CFA exam once I had finished my undergrad. I just wish to plan ahead, with regards to my subject choice in order to best prepare me for these exams.

Any general advice would be much appreciated.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”