College for IB

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options for pursuing Investment Banking (IB) with the schools you've listed:

UK: UCL Economics

• Pros: UCL is a strong target school for IB in the UK and Europe. Its Economics program is highly regarded, and the proximity to London provides excellent networking opportunities with major banks.
• Cons: The competition for IB roles in the UK is intense, and you'll need to stand out through internships and networking.

US: UMich Ross & Northwestern Weinberg

• UMich Ross: A top-tier business school with strong on-campus recruiting (OCR) for IB. Ross has a well-established pipeline to Wall Street and other financial hubs.
• Northwestern Weinberg: While Northwestern is prestigious, Weinberg (liberal arts) may require more effort to break into IB compared to Ross. Networking and leveraging alumni connections will be crucial.

Canada: Western Ivey AEO & UofT Rotman Commerce

• Western Ivey AEO: Ivey is the top choice for IB in Canada. Its case-based learning and strong alumni network make it a direct feeder to Canadian IB roles, with some opportunities in the US.
• UofT Rotman Commerce: A solid program, but it doesn't have the same IB placement strength as Ivey. You may need to work harder to secure top-tier IB roles.

Italy: Bocconi BIEF

• Bocconi is a powerhouse for IB in Europe, especially for roles in London. Its reputation, rigorous curriculum, and strong alumni network make it a standout choice for European IB.

Key Considerations

1. Geographic Preference: If you aim to work in the US, UMich Ross is the strongest option. For Europe, UCL and Bocconi are excellent choices. In Canada, Western Ivey is the clear leader.
2. Cost: Since you're full-pay, consider the return on investment (ROI) based on your target region for work.
3. Networking: Schools like Ross, Ivey, and Bocconi have strong alumni networks in their respective regions, which can significantly ease the IB recruiting process.

Recommendation

• For the US: UMich Ross is the best choice for IB placement.
• For Europe: Bocconi BIEF edges out UCL due to its IB focus and strong European network.
• For Canada: Western Ivey AEO is the top pick.

If you're flexible about location, prioritize the school with the strongest IB placement in your desired region.

Sources: Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help), Target schools outside of the US?, Comprehensive Undergraduate Target Schools Tier List 2020, Had a Pair of Aces and I Folded - Now What?