Need advice to explore my options (non-target offers, can I do higher finance?)
Hi all,
I just finished my A-level exams and I am stuck. I believe I have done better than what I predicted to achieve (BBB) in econ psychology and law, and I initially applied to non-target universities (Sheffield Hallam, MMU, Uni of Kent, Uni of Lincoln) to study mainly banking, finance and investment. I was not aware at the time of applying that I have very little chances of getting into higher finance by going to a non-target. The real question I suppose I am trying to ask is: in case I do get better grades than I was expected, do I: take a gap year and reapply to a semi-target; do a Masters at a target/semi target; or go through Clearing
Best regards, Szymon
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some options you can consider if you achieve better grades than expected:
Take a Gap Year and Reapply to a Semi-Target:
Do a Masters at a Target/Semi-Target:
Go Through Clearing:
Additional Tips: - Networking: Regardless of the path you choose, networking is crucial. Start building connections with professionals in the finance industry through LinkedIn, finance clubs, and alumni networks. - Internships: Aim to secure internships every year to gain practical experience and make your resume stand out. - Extracurricular Activities: Join finance-related clubs and societies to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field.
Best of luck with your decisions, Szymon!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/ibd-sa-after-graduation?customgpt=1, What to do as a rising senior at a non-target with no IB experience, Q&A: Community College --> Semi-Target --> Big 4 Audit --> Boutique IB M&A (Ask Me Anything), Is it worth going to study an Msc finance with no work experience in finance?, Worth Attempting to Transfer from Semi-Target to Target?
some semi targets will have courses at clearing with low grade requirements. I had a friend who went to exeter for A&F via clearing with like ABB or BBB so yea id try get into clearing.
if you get AAB or above id just reapply. the unis u mentioned tbh have little to no chance of getting into IB , might have to try the big four route if you end up going there.
getting into a target masters without having some work experience is quite difficult aswell as not guaranteeing a full time job (and ridiculously expensive)
if anything take a year out and redo ur a levels as will make sense financially in the long run if you can try break in at UG rather than relying on a masters. it probably isnt worth the money going to the unis u mentioned for the career prospects.
Appreciate the advice. Will definitely try to go through clearing, currently im looking at: A&F, finance and BA Econ courses. Do you think BA Economics will keep all doors open for me or will it limit some (not including careers like being a quant which are heavy on math)?
sent you a pm
Set a bar for the type of uni you want to get into. Let's say you wouldn't go anywhere worse than Bristol or Nottingham.
1) Call-up clearing for unis at the bar or above - I wouldn't be worried about the course as it doesn't matter for finance, but do something you are interested in because you are stuck for 3 years+
2) If you can't get anything take a gap year, get some work experience while your at it, and you should get an unconditional offer for a semi+ target
3) Semi-target should provide you a platform to get some interviews whilst at uni, and therefore some offers if you work hard and know your stuff.
4) If you leave uni with no offer for FT / no summers, then as a last resort apply to masters
You have no way of knowing guaranteeing can get a masters at a target in 3+ years time, and whether your 2:1 / 1st at a non-target is sufficient. It is better to delay a year by taking a gap year, than being stuck with a shitty non-target degree from manny met. Good luck.
1) When you say don't worry about the course, do you suggest I try get onto a course that has a good way into finance like economics/maths/engineering?
2) Gap year is definitely sounding like a good option to me, speaking of work experience which roles do you suggest I take a look at that would be well perceived by semi targets?
4) Got you, yeah Masters is really a last resort for me its super expensive and no guarantees either
Finally, I agree completely that it's better to delay by a year than go to a uni that isn't at all respected if i really want to break in. Thanks for your great advice
When I say don't worry about the course, I mean that university prestige has more of a weighting than course. Of course, both are important, but a student studying philosophy degree from Oxbridge, Law from LSE or Biochemistry at Warwick is more likely to bag interviews than an Accounting and Finance grad from Bayes.
Ideally you want a combination of high uni prestige and good course. So a quantitive degree like Maths / Engineering / Econ from a top uni. Now that isn't always possible for everyone, so if you were to make a trade-off it would be better to compromise in degree course.
Also another major thing in UK recruitment is meeting the A-level cut-off of ABB/AAB - which from what you said should not be a problem, as you are expecting higher grades.
Vel necessitatibus laborum et inventore enim repellat est. Assumenda et est cupiditate in ea.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...