UIUC to BB
(Chimp, 3
Points)
on 7/18/12 at 7:22pm
I will be a freshman at UIUC this fall and my long term goal is to land a FT offer at a BB (FO obviously) hopefully in New York but Chicago is fine too. I know that UIUC is arguably only a semi-target school for IB recruiting but is it reasonable to assume that if I maintain a high gpa, join finance clubs, and network with alumni, while doing other relevant EC's I could maybe land a position?
And also is it a good idea to start with a BB PWM internship next summer?
BTW my current academic path is double major in finance and econ





1) Talk to IlliniProgrogramer
1) Talk to IlliniProgrogramer and IlliniPride. They have accomplished this and can help you.
2) Stop saying you want XYZ before you even begin college. Do well and set yourself up/leave doors open while you gather info and move on from there.
3) FO at a BB isn't the be all end all. Keep your mind open to other things both in and out of finance.
4) Enjoy college.
If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
U of I will give you decent
U of I will give you decent opportunities. Just keep your GPA up (above 3.5), get involved in a finance club, and get relevant internships during the summer.
But I agree with Happypants stop thinking so far in the future. You haven’t even started school yet. It's good to have goals and a plan, but enjoy your time in college I'm not saying it'll be the best 4 years of your life but live it up. Your only responsibility is to get good grades and have fun. Being social is a key to making it not only in finance but the real world period. A kid I knew in college was only focused on IB, super smart 4.0 GPA, internships, involved in the IB club and received tons of interviews from BB banks. However, he was arguably the most socially awkward kid ever and never made it passed the 2nd round for months. He returned to school for a 5th year to get another chance and on a positive note he eventually landed a job but I’m sure he’s not going anywhere fast within his bank, unless his social skills have changed. Just saying, remember people want to work with people they like.
Don’t just focus on the future, try to live in the moment. It goes fast.
"Because it's not worth winning if you can't win big!" - Coach Reilly
2nd Happy, at least on 2-4.
2nd Happy, at least on 2-4. That IlliniProgrammer guy is a character, though.
1.) Try to get ino CHP and Business Honors. Banks look for some selectivity and you meet some pretty interesting people in these programs.
2.) Have fun. Learn to enjoy middle-class middle-America. Check out Allerton, the Blue and Orange Cafe, and don't be too picky about your friends as long as they're good influences.
3.) Keep your options open, particularly regarding grad school. If you enjoy econ or finance and might want to go to grad school in it, you can never take too much math. Specifically, the engineering math sequence (Math 220, 230, 241, 285, 461/463, and 225) are important courses.
Work hard, play hard.
Thanks for your
Thanks for your replies
@happypantsmcgee and GuidoMane
The reason I am asking about this before I even start college is because I am truly passionate about finance. I have always wanted to work in finance. I also want to get a head start because I know that BB banks really don't recruit at my school. I am very social lol and that's why I'm hoping to get an interview because I'm pretty sure I can rock that.
Btw I'm definitely keeping an open mind but right now this is what I want to do and I'm planning very early because if I don't it will be too late.
@IlliniProgrammer
Currently I'm not in any honors and I'm pretty sure that I can't apply forBbusiness Honors because you have to be selected. Would James scholar honors look good though?
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rationaleconomist: Thanks for
Thanks for your replies
@happypantsmcgee and GuidoMane
The reason I am asking about this before I even start college is because I am truly passionate about finance. I have always wanted to work in finance. I also want to get a head start because I know that BB banks really don't recruit at my school. I am very social lol and that's why I'm hoping to get an interview because I'm pretty sure I can rock that.
Btw I'm definitely keeping an open mind but right now this is what I want to do and I'm planning very early because if I don't it will be too late.
@IlliniProgrammer
Currently I'm not in any honors and I'm pretty sure that I can't apply forBbusiness Honors because you have to be selected. Would James scholar honors look good though?
Get involved and get good grades (3.7+). That is all you have to do as a freshman.