How to transition from Political Science into IB?
Hey monkeys, I'm a 3rd year undergrad (graduating next July) student studying politics at a "target school" for politics in continental Europe which unfortunately doesn't have wider brand recognition outside of politics.
I want to get into IB or MBB consulting, preferably in London (I know, very unique), but am confused on how to do so. I have great extracurriculars and a perfect academic record, but no engagement with the industry besides my own personal interest and reading on topics related to the industry.
I would love to pivot and do a master's in Finance or Economics in the UK however my bachelor means that's impossible as they all want quant-heavy bachelor degrees. I could most likely get into Oxbridge/LSE for some social science but would this be at all valuable for what I want to do? If not, are there any good pathways into getting into IB from my position? I had a look at the forums to see if there was anyone in a similar position but found nothing. I also saw the LSE MiM, but I would need to do the GRE/GMAT, which isn't a problem, I'm willing to do it, but was wondering if there were any backup plans/options.
Thank you!
If you're not having luck with direct IB internship applications with your current school (and I really wouldn't have a view on the success chances of a political science school), then you could consider applying more broadly, perhaps into Big 4 Audit and getting your accountig qualification, then pivoting from there.
Big 4 have much broader intakes (and will be more immune to the current downturn), and is a place where you'll be earning more rather than spending it on a master's.
Even with a MiM at LSE, you'll stand a much, much better chance at getting into IB with internship experience behind you, so do keep this in mind. It'll be tough to get directly into IB without internship experience behind you, with or without that MiM.
Thank you for your reply! I will be applying to all the major BB's and some EB's for SA positions for next year summer along with as many online workshop/information sessions with those banks as possible before I graduate so I can do a bit of networking. If I can get internship experience (it's a very big if, and something I'm not confident about), do you think the LSE MiM would be more valuable than doing IR/Politics at Oxford? If so then I will think about and plan the Big 4 route.
If you put a gun to my head and ask me to choose, then yes, go with LSE.
Both are top tier target schools for IB, which is the most important thing. Degree choice is usually secondary. That said, LSE MiM will give you a much better "Why IB?" story in interviews, and should place you well for networking events and societies, which LSE does well. In addition, you'll be in London for easy access to coffee chats or other networking events. But a name like Oxbridge will still be highly regarded.
If you can somehow get that LSE name on your CV (even as "Incoming student") ASAP that'll help a lot optically at the top of the resume. Banks are recruiting for SA 2024 right now, and I know that's not ideal timing-wise.
Thank you so much! I understand and like the idea of having a story, which I know I'll need to convince the interviewer. I will definitely take that into consideration.
UK masters are not really quant heavy (excluding Oxford MFE). You could target LBS/LSE/Imperial which would give your a great shot at most BB/EB.
The problem is, while I think I could manage a quant masters, the universities physically won't let me enrol as they all require a quant bachelor's to even have a chance. Otherwise I would shoot an application towards LSE's economics and finance masters and try my luck.
Not sure what non finance/consulting roles are open to you with your current trajectory but an alternative route would be to start your career in policy/government, absolutely kill it in your role/maintain ECs and then apply to LBS MBA after 3 years of experience.
MBB would be very doable, I know IB has less associate recruiting than US MBA but still very possible.
Alternatively, a MSF would be a good idea but makes no sense to join something like B4 audit with your profile. It's a long grind and no guarantee of a lateral down the track and the work is awful
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