Can you make it on wall street from Fordham / Baruch
I started a BSc in finance at Bocconi this year. My home country (eastern europe) is not very attractive for finance so my end goal is to try my luck at wall street (correct me if im wrong but i feel like london is becoming less and less competetive in terms of opportunities to make it big). I got into a target in the US last year but couldn't go because of financial aid. I'm applying again this year, but for base case let's assume best I can do with good aid is a school like Fordham / Baruch (i have decent experience in finance and maxed out stats but zero volunteering and other bs that ivies look for). My ultimate goal is switch to buy-side asap too - best case L/S fundamental equity because that's what I'm genuinely interested but obviously I'd take anything.
That being said, how do recruiters feel about schools like Fordham / Baruch. Assuming that I have the merit to get through assessment centers and interviews, I'm concerned that the non-target background will be an auto reject in normal SA application processes.
For the switch to buyside, I no clue how important the undergrad is. Could it hurt my hedge fund recruitment later in my career or is this process purely based on merit and previous work experience?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, making it to Wall Street from schools like Fordham or Baruch is absolutely possible, but it requires a strategic approach. Here's what you need to know:
Recruiter Perception of Fordham/Baruch: While these schools are considered non-targets, they are still located in NYC, which gives you a geographical advantage. Proximity to Wall Street means more networking opportunities, alumni connections, and access to events. However, you will need to work harder to stand out compared to candidates from target schools.
Breaking into Wall Street:
Switching to the Buyside:
Challenges and Opportunities:
For more insights, you can explore these WSO threads: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/buyside-recruiting…</a">Buyside recruiting is really demoralizing as a non-target - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/recruiting-tip…</a">Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking
In summary, while your path may be more challenging from Fordham or Baruch, it’s far from impossible. Focus on excelling academically, gaining relevant experience, and leveraging NYC’s proximity for networking. With determination and strategy, you can achieve your Wall Street and buyside goals.
Sources: London Tier 1 Buyside Recruiters List, Why Do BBs even hire from Non-targets?, Buyside Jobs out of Undergrad, Buyside recruiting is really demoralizing as a non-target, Buyside recruiting is really demoralizing as a non-target
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I have a friend who did at Fordham. He’s not at a top shop but he’s at a full service bank. It’s doable but I haven’t seen too many break it into Bulge brackets.
My Director is from Fordham, and I also worked with another Fordham guy who is doing pretty well at a buy-side shop (long/short strategy I believe), so definitely possible to break into the industry. Easier than other non-targets since you're right in the city so it's easier to network and connect with alumni
Yes you can make it from Baruch / Fordham. Will it be easy as a transfer? Absolutely not.
I think best path is stay at Bocconi (or Ivy I guess) crush it, get a job at a BB bank that allows analyst transfers and transfer over after Y1 and recruit thereafter. It’s a pretty tried and trued path and I know a few people who have done it and landed in pretty good seats on buy side
Maybe this is a silly question, but is the information about internal transfers publicly available or do I need to figure it out through networking?
Look up the L1 visa which most use. I'd look up bankers who started in London who are in New York and ask them about their path.
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