How to Break into RX IB from Non-Target + TAS Background

I fear it's prolly impossible, but here goes:

Senior at a non target, but with great grades + lots of involvement, and relevant major (finance). Am currently doing my final internship at a B4 TAS group. I'm really interested in breaking into RX IB but think I might be cooked given my background. 


Do you guys think I might have a chance if I do something like: secure a FT TAS offer > try to lateral early to RX Consulting > move to RX IB after 1-2 yrs in RX co, or is it still a hopeless situation? Kinda out of options so would appreciate any help.

23 Comments
 

To be frank, likely the only way to give yourself a real shot at breaking in would be to lateral to RX CO asap then get a T10 MBA then come in as an ASS at a RX IB shop. Another (less likely but still possible) route would be to stay in TAS for 1-2 years, and then try to lateral to a solid MM IB coverage seat and then network your way straight into RX IB as an AN 2/3.

 

I thought that an MBA wasn't really necessary for that transition unless you're hitting a brick wall, or If you've hit a ceiling in RX consulting and can't break into RX IB at a top bank...would appreciate some clarification

 

Well, to be honest, if you graduated from a T20 undergrad and want to transition from RX CO to RX IB after 1-2 years, it is absolutely doable. Since you’re currently at a non-target, I doubt you will get any looks from any banks that will give you a better experience or better pay than T1 RX CO, so it wouldn’t even make sense to make the transition. As far as T1/2 RX IB goes, “prestige” is extremely important, and that includes the undergrad you attended. The only way to combat that would be with a top MBA. However, I will caveat by saying: I knew a guy from a large non-target state school (LSU/UArk/Auburn) who broke into A&M Rx early on then lateraled to HL RX after 2 years, but A&M may likely be the exception.

 

I'm not in RX Co...I'm exploring that as an avenue to get into RX IB

 

I agree. Isn't RX Co supposed to be the one that people go to after breaking into RX IB? Why would you want to leave RX Co for longer hours and a marginal increase in pay?

 

RX IB imo opens up a set of exits that RX consulting doesn't necessarily open up as well; they've both got exits that each sets you up better for. Additionally, I feel like the increase in pay, while marginal for most, is significant for me (keep in mind I'm coming from B4 which don't exactly pay amazing, so even a small amount is significant)

 

have a friend who broke into rx ib from an absolute non target. my advice would be to delay grad, craft a great story, get some more relevant experience to ultimately rerecruit for a summer analyst positon. SA recruitng is much easier than FT recruiting and you'll have a headstart on kids recruiting for rx ib for SA27 since you alr have experience. just my 2 cents

 

he would have to delay grad for 2 years. he's a 2026 grad and 26 summer recruiting is over, going from 26 grad to 28 grad is too far imo

 

Thought about it but that's unfortunately not an option, bc like the ppl below commented, SA recruting for next year is basically wrapped up, so I'd have to delay by 2 years, which is not a good idea, so any other ways would be appreciated. So far based on what I'm reading on this thread and others my best bet might be the RX consulting path?

 

Is it possible to get RX from a semi-target background (UNC/Emory/UVA/WashU type school)?

 

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