Can Master of Science students recruit SA?
I have seen previous posts commenting on Master's and how it's usually useless, especially within IB.
I am a rising junior at a non-target school majoring in engineering. My initial grad date was Fall '26, and I planned to push that back with a Finance Minor and basically stall until Fall '27. This finance minor wouldn't provide any relevant educational value, just the ability to put it on my resume (which, from what I've heard, bankers don't care).
Instead of wasting time lounging around, waiting for my theoretical SA/FT position to start, I can get a Master's in Science. My school has an accelerated program allowing me to get the degree in one year. This degree would provide credibility and aura, but I have no intention of actually entering the engineering field (maybe an Industrials group). I would then be able to list my graduation date as Fall '27, YAY.
If I am graduating Fall 2026, but doing an MS in Engineering, which would end Fall 2027, can I recruit for SA 2027 positions? I have heard some banks don't take MS students for their SA positions, but I don't know if it's true.
Thank you!
"aura" lol
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the eligibility of Master of Science (MS) students to recruit for Summer Analyst (SA) positions can vary depending on the bank and the specific program. While some banks may prefer undergraduate students for SA roles, others are open to considering MS students, especially if the program aligns with the candidate's graduation timeline and career goals.
In your case, if you pursue an MS in Engineering and graduate in Fall 2027, you would technically align with the recruiting timeline for SA 2027 positions. However, there are a few key considerations:
Bank Preferences: Some banks may not actively target MS students for SA roles, as these positions are traditionally geared toward undergraduates. That said, exceptions can be made, especially if you position yourself well and demonstrate a strong interest in investment banking.
Networking and Storytelling: Since your MS is in Engineering and not directly related to finance, you'll need to craft a compelling narrative about why you're pursuing investment banking and how your engineering background adds value (e.g., for Industrials groups).
Recruiting Timeline: Ensure that your graduation date (Fall 2027) aligns with the SA recruiting cycle. Banks typically look for candidates who will graduate the following year, so you should be eligible for SA 2027 recruiting.
Alternative Pathways: If you find that banks are hesitant to consider MS students for SA roles, you could explore boutique or middle-market banks, which may have more flexibility in their recruiting criteria.
Ultimately, while it is possible for MS students to recruit for SA positions, success will depend on your ability to network effectively, tailor your application, and align your timeline with the banks' recruiting cycles.
Sources: 43 Diversity Recruiting Programs at Investment Banks - The Most Exhaustive List, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/mba-summer-associate-2021-recruiting?customgpt=1, 2019 FT Analyst Recruiting Timeline, JP Morgan Officially about to Cancel Summer Internships and Freeze Hiring, Consulting Recruiting 2023
Wondering the same thing
some banks do consider master degree for SA actually, such as GS, JPM, BofA, Citi, HL etc to name a few. I personally do have offers for SA26 while currently doing a master degree so it's not a problem at all
Thanks. Are you familiar if EBs (EVR, CVP, Q, etc.) are lenient as well? How early did you graduate with your bachelor's before your SA?
I graduated since 2023, and took an off cycle internship for a year and just started my master last year.
Evercore and moelis are actually lenient with it. Gugg does specify master can apply, so as FT Partners. Not sure about the other ones cuz I didn't apply to them
Would generally say in my experience recruiting it is atypical to see MS students comprise a portion of the candidate pool getting offers and it is atypical vs the norm. On campus IB recruiting programs are fairly regimented and typically oriented to core schools. Have seen MS students from several of the Ivys / top ranked schools apply and they end up in a limbo at times. With that said not impossible. I would suggest talking to the on-campus recruiting teams for the firms you are targeting, or alumni that have gone through MS as an SA that are at these banks, to sanity check. Some of my tougher / more frustrating (frustration with the schools) recruiting convos over the years has been with MS or MA students who believe these programs are feeders into IB to find out school clipped $50k of tuition fees but will not allow these students full access to recruiting resources undergrads or MBAs have.
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