Booth x Stern for IB

Just got admitted to both Chicago Booth and NYU Stern (FTMBA) and I’m struggling with the final decision. I’m a Latam international student with 5 years of experience in finance (financial advisor) but no IB background, and my goal is to pivot into investment banking in NYC post-MBA.

Given my profile and the current landscape for internationals (visa, sponsorship, OCR dynamics), I’d really appreciate hearing from people who know how Booth vs. Stern plays out for IB recruiting, especially for career switchers like me.

What would you choose in my situation — and why?

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2mo

For a Latam international student aiming to pivot into investment banking (IB) in NYC post-MBA, both Booth and Stern offer strong opportunities, but there are key differences to consider:

Booth

Strengths in IB Recruiting: Booth has a stellar reputation for finance and consistently places well in IB. Every major bulge bracket (BB) and elite boutique (EB) bank recruits heavily from Booth, and the school’s alumni network in finance is extensive.
OCR (On-Campus Recruiting): Booth’s OCR is robust, and banks actively fly candidates to Chicago for interviews. The school’s academic rigor and finance focus make it a top choice for career switchers.
Visa/Sponsorship Dynamics: Booth’s strong brand and alumni network can help mitigate challenges related to visa sponsorship. Alumni are often willing to assist international students navigating these hurdles.
Fit for Career Switchers: Booth’s flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your MBA experience to fill gaps in your IB knowledge, which is particularly valuable for someone without prior IB experience.

Stern

Proximity to NYC: Stern’s location in NYC provides unparalleled access to networking opportunities, informational interviews, and part-time internships during the academic year. This proximity can be a game-changer for career switchers looking to build relationships in IB.
OCR and Networking: While Stern’s OCR is strong, its NYC location allows you to supplement it with direct networking efforts. This can be particularly advantageous for internationals who need to stand out in a competitive recruiting landscape.
Visa/Sponsorship Dynamics: Stern’s alumni network in NYC is extensive, and the school’s location makes it easier to connect with international alumni who have navigated similar challenges.

Key Considerations for Your Decision

Career Switching Support: Booth’s structured recruiting process and finance focus may provide a more comprehensive foundation for someone without IB experience. However, Stern’s NYC location offers unique networking advantages that could help you break into IB.
International Student Challenges: Both schools have strong alumni networks, but Booth’s reputation and OCR strength might slightly edge out Stern in terms of sponsorship support.
Personal Fit: Consider where you feel more comfortable and aligned with the culture. Booth is known for its academic rigor and collaborative environment, while Stern thrives on its NYC energy and practical exposure.

Recommendation

If your primary focus is on structured recruiting and leveraging a strong finance brand, Booth might be the better choice. However, if you value NYC proximity for networking and want to immerse yourself in the IB ecosystem during your MBA, Stern could be the way to go. Both are excellent options, so weigh the importance of location versus structured career support in your decision.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/what-happens-to-international-students?customgpt=1, Booth vs. Columbia for MBA

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2mo

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