Amherst/Williams

Amherst and Williams are both top-tier liberal arts colleges with strong placement records in investment banking (IB) and private equity (PE). Here's what you need to know:

1. Placement Strength:

   • Amherst and Williams are considered among the best liberal arts colleges (LACs) for IB recruiting. They are often categorized as "target" or "semi-target" schools for many top firms.
   • Alumni networks at these schools are robust, and alumni from both colleges are known to actively pull for students during recruiting.

2. Top Firms:

   • Amherst and Williams graduates have successfully landed roles at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Blackstone, and KKR. However, placement at these firms is highly competitive and often depends on networking, internships, and academic performance.

3. Alumni Support:

   • Williams and Amherst alumni are particularly strong in finance, and their presence at elite firms can provide a significant advantage during recruiting. Alumni from LACs are known to advocate for students from their alma mater.

4. Comparison:

   • Both schools are comparable in terms of placement opportunities. While Amherst might have a slight edge in IB recruiting due to its reputation and alumni network, Williams is equally strong, especially with alumni who are highly active in finance.

5. Key Takeaway:

   • Success in landing roles at top firms like Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, or KKR will depend more on your individual efforts—networking, internships, and leveraging alumni connections—than on the marginal differences between Amherst and Williams.

If you're committed to IB/PE, either school will provide you with the resources and network to succeed. Focus on building relationships with alumni, excelling academically, and securing relevant internships early on.

Sources: Advice for undergrads going into IB interested in PE, Amherst or Bowdoin for IB? Recruitment/Placement?, Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help), Cornell Johnson Placement in IB/PE, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/advice-for-undergrads-going-into-ib-interested-in-pe?customgpt=1