How hard/doable is it to break into canadian ib coming from McGill Desautels undergrad?

Breaking into Canadian investment banking (IB) from McGill Desautels is definitely doable, though it comes with challenges compared to Ivey or Queen's. Here's a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:

Canadian IB Placement from McGill Desautels

1. Reputation and Placement:

   • McGill Desautels is considered a semi-target for Canadian IB. While it doesn't have the same dominance as Ivey or Queen's Commerce, it still places a decent number of students into Bay Street (Toronto's financial hub).
   • The Honours in Investment Management (HIM) program is particularly well-regarded and has a strong track record of sending graduates to top IB firms in Canada, including Goldman Sachs and other major players.

2. Challenges:

   • McGill's alumni network and campus recruiting for IB are not as robust as Ivey or Queen's, which are considered the top feeders for Canadian IB.
   • Competition is tougher because McGill students often compete with graduates from these schools, which have stronger pipelines to top firms.

3. Advantages:

   • McGill's international reputation and diverse student body can be a plus, especially for firms looking for candidates with global perspectives.
   • If you maintain a strong GPA (above 3.5), secure relevant internships, and network effectively, you can still land top IB roles in Canada.

Breaking into the NY IB Scene

1. Possibility:

   • Breaking into the New York IB scene directly from McGill is more challenging but not impossible. The majority of McGill graduates tend to place in Canadian IB roles, with only a small percentage (around 9%) working in the U.S. after graduation.
   • To target NY, you'll need to stand out significantly—this means top grades, exceptional internships, and leveraging any connections you have in the U.S.

2. Strategies:

   • Networking: Use LinkedIn and McGill's alumni network to connect with professionals in NY-based IB firms. Cold emailing and informational interviews can also help.
   • Internships: Aim for internships at well-known firms in Canada or globally recognized names, as this will make your resume more competitive for NY roles.
   • HIM Program: If you're in the HIM program, highlight its rigor and reputation, as it’s a strong signal of your finance acumen.

Key Takeaways

• McGill Desautels is a solid option for Canadian IB, especially if you leverage the HIM program and focus on networking.
• While Ivey and Queen's have stronger pipelines, McGill students can still break into top firms with the right preparation.
• Breaking into NY IB is harder but achievable with exceptional performance, internships, and networking.

If you're serious about IB, consider taking advantage of resources like WSO's IB Interview Prep Course or Networking Guide to sharpen your skills and boost your chances.

Sources: CANADA - McGill Desautels for Consulting / IB, Here are the Target Undergraduate Schools in Canada, Here are the Target Undergraduate Schools in Canada, McGill Desautels vs. Queen's Commerce