23 y/o, currently making six figures. I have no college degree, how could I break into investment banking?

Hi guys,

I was in college for 2 years studying Finance, I dropped out because I needed to make money.

I got a licensed as a residential Loan Officer. I cleared $75k my first year, and $105k my second. I attest this mostly to low interest rates, but my sales and relationship skills have sharpened overall. I thought about making the move to commercial lending, as that's more line with structured finance and far less emotional than residential real estate.

I'm looking to go back to school or switch to self-sourced loan origination. Smiling and dialing is driving me insane.

I still have a fond interest for Capital markets but I understand with my age and inability to gain access to a target school, general investment banking is out of the scope.

I'm thinking of Debt Capital Markets or Fixed Income because I have a lending background.

Any tips for how I should execute this plan?

Thanks

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I worked in originations long ago in a similar situation.   If you want IB. (Or MBB) you can do it.  Financial aid unlocks at 24.  Brush up. Take exams again. Get into the best school you can.   Dont work. Live on savings and aid.  Transfer to target/ semi target/nyc.  Network the whole time. Stay fit and you’ll be a 25-27 yo analyst. 
For the nonschool track, I’m afraid I don’t have any advice.  
 

 

You'll have to go to school but you absolutely can do it - in fact, top schools love unconventional stories especially if you've already proven yourself in the real world.  If I were an admissions officer, I'd be like 'so this young guy is already making 6 figures but is so passionate about furthering himself and building a career that he's willing to give that up and come back to school - that resonates well'

 

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