CS --> Finance

Hey fellow WSO community,

I hope everyone's doing well! I'm a CS major currently studying at a non-target school, and I'm really interested in pursuing a career in either consulting or investment banking. I've been doing some research, but I thought it would be great to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum and seek some advice from those who have already navigated similar paths.

To give you a bit of background, I chose computer science as my major because I've always been fascinated by technology and problem-solving. However, as I've progressed in my studies, I've developed a strong interest in the business side of things and have realized that consulting or investment banking could be a great fit for my skill set and ambitions. I'm currently working part-time at a search fund as a private equity analyst, and I find the work very interesting.

Now, here comes the big question: How can I break into these industries coming from a non-target school? I'm aware that the competition is fierce, and many firms tend to recruit heavily from Ivy League schools or other well-known institutions. So, I'm reaching out to you all for guidance and advice. Have any of you successfully made the leap from a non-target school to consulting or investment banking? What steps did you take, and what strategies worked for you? Are there any specific skills, certifications, or experiences that I should focus on developing to improve my chances?

I'm also curious to know if there are any specific networking opportunities, online resources, or communities that could be helpful for someone in my situation. Any tips, anecdotes, or success stories would be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to share your insights, recommendations, or even personal experiences. I'm open to any advice that can help me navigate this career transition and make informed decisions.