Biochemistry Major --> IB?
Hi all,
I'm a senior at Yale. During my first 4 years, I was thinking about either going into research or going to medical school. However, after getting a feel for research and shadowing doctors, I realized neither of those paths were for me.
I have no time to change majors. As it is, I am going to be a BS/MS in Biochemistry and Biophysics. As a freshman, I took Intermediate Microeconomics/Macroeconomics, math including linear, diffeqs, and complex analysis, but I've taken mostly science classes. I've done a lot of clinical and bench research, including several first author publications. I'm on the board of several clubs, mostly science related. I have a 3.95 GPA. Essentially, I am the quintessential pre-med.
I am genuinely interested in economics; I was planning to double major until I decided to get a masters in biochemistry my sophomore year. However, seeing as I am clearly built for being a med-school applicant, I was wondering how hard it would for me to get a gig in IB (possibly for 2 years before I get an MBA, maybe work a few more years, and go into another industry).
Thank you ahead of time.
Since the BBs recruit from the junior summer analyst pool, you probably won't be able to get in those, unless you network like no other. You can definitely get in at a MM or Elite boutique though if you prove to them that you really want to go into banking.
MIT/Vandy/WUSTL/Princeton MSF?
Yale with 3.95 in an analytical field, you're 90% there. Many IBs/HFs seem to be picking up math/science majors rather than business, because they're typically smarter. Especially for trading/sales which looks less at the networking/ finance back ground and more at pure intellectual ability. But don't think you're going BB or bust, look at MM, boutique too; as someone said above BB will likely be well staffed with interns-to-offer. Here's my quick and dirty battle plan for you:
Read four books: "Investment Banking: Explained" (for IB background knowledge, good for your story in an interview); "Investment Banking" by Rosenbaum (for your modeling/technical knowledge); "Financial Modeling" by Benninga (for Financial Modeling in Excel and financial formula reference); and another solid accounting book for the basics of accounting. That will set you back no more than $200. Cheap, and you will have a solid foundation for interviews and a better understanding of the industry/work. Those books pretty much are the core finance undergrad reader's digest.
Get a solid analytical resume start, and state your interest in IB/finance in one sentence. Send applications to all of the MM, boutique, and BB that you would be even remotely interested. Try not to be too picky.
Use any networking, especially Yale alum, to get a foot in the door.
If you have the time, I would also recommend completing "Wall Street Prep" course (google it) because you will get a certificate which you can point to on your resume. 5 days and $6000 will provide an in-person workshop from "Training the Street" and a certificate, but IMO that's overpriced.
Call up Young & Partners
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