chances to break into ib doing econ bsc at nottingham.

I am in yr 13 and just got an offer for econ bsc at nottingham. I understand notingham is a semitarget.

how much harder will it be for me to get into ib going to notts than someone who goes to a target uni?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Target vs. Semi-Target:

    • Target Schools: These schools have a more established pipeline into investment banking (IB) due to stronger alumni networks, more on-campus recruiting, and better recognition from banks.
    • Semi-Target Schools: While not as strong as target schools, semi-targets like Nottingham still have some presence in the IB recruiting process but require more effort in networking and preparation.
  2. Effort Required:

    • Networking: At a semi-target like Nottingham, you will need to put in more effort to network. This means attending industry events, reaching out to alumni, and leveraging any available resources from your career center.
    • Preparation: You will need to be well-prepared for technical and behavioral interviews. This includes understanding financial concepts, practicing case studies, and being able to articulate your interest in IB.
  3. Comparative Difficulty:

    • Target School Students: They have more opportunities handed to them, but still need to put in effort to secure interviews and offers.
    • Semi-Target School Students: They need to work harder to get noticed. This involves proactive networking and demonstrating strong technical knowledge during interviews.
  4. Success Stories:

    • Many students from semi-targets or non-targets have successfully broken into IB by excelling academically, gaining relevant internships, and building a strong network.
  5. Actionable Steps:

    • Excel Academically: Aim for a high GPA.
    • Gain Relevant Experience: Look for internships in finance, even if they are at smaller firms or in related fields.
    • Network Aggressively: Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and industry events to connect with professionals in IB.
    • Prepare Thoroughly: Use resources like the WSO guides to prepare for technical and behavioral interviews.

In summary, while it may be more challenging to break into IB from Nottingham compared to a target university, it is definitely possible with the right strategy and effort.

Sources: Target students who don't make it, Target students who don't make it, Target vs. Non-Target, Is investment banking not as prestigious as most people think? Are kids that break in sub-par?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/can-i-get-into-investment-banking-from-non-target-school?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Hey, it's about 44.8% (sorry - play silly games you win silly prizes). If your grades are good it should should be absolutely possible (nothing is guaranteed; you have 0% chance if you don't apply; an identical candidate at LSE or Oxbridge has a higher likelihood than you, but you knew this already). Nottingham as you say is a semitarget, but the likelihood depends a lot more on you and what you do when you're there.

So what does that mean? Some pointers below which I hope is helpful - good luck!

___

1) Be involved in finance / economics-related societies and attend their events, particularly career-related. I can't comment on specific societies at Nottingham as I didn't go there, but you can research in advance and they'll be pretty obvious in fresher's week.

2) Do a Spring Week. Apply early and apply broadly. Get advice from people in societies. Don't faff about, get your CV sorted and send those applications out rather than hesitate.

3) Get a role / leadership position in a society, or found one (probably more a Year 2 than Year 1 thing), but in your first year there'll be elections towards the end of the year so be aware of those.

4) Network A LOT - try to find people who you have something in common with (same hometown, university, course, etc.) and be personal.

5) Maybe look at courses to brush up your technicals to prepare for interviews, but you can self-learn these. As far as courses go maybe look at WSO or BIWS - not a formal course as such, but something to educate and prepare you for assessment centres, and indicate some interest in the sector.

6) Find some extra-curricular (ideally, relevant) activities for yor CV.

7) Some of the societies I mentioned above run investment or stock-pitching programs. It's been a while since I graduated so, honestly, I don't know how these work, but I see them increasingly on CVs.

8) You probably stand a good chance with Consulting so do explore this too. Any professional experience is better than none.

I probably forgot some things so hopefully others add.

 

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