I'm transferring from a semi-target to Columbia University to begin my sophomore year. This summer, my freshman summer, I am working in the principal investment group of a top BB, so my resume will have some relevant work experience on it. My question is regarding my major at Columbia: I want to major in philosophy because I think it's interesting and I can do well in philosophy courses. Am I putting myself at a disadvantage by majoring in something non-quant and non-economic, given the competition for IB gigs at Columbia? I'm sure it's been asked a hundred times, but any help would be really appreciated.
Also, sidebar, anyone know if Greenhill, MoCo, or Evercore recruit on-campus at Columbia?
Thanks guys
If you were able to get into a principal investment group as a freshman... you are well connected enough not to worry about anything.
Greenhill Moelis and Evercore do not recruit Lazard recruits for full time though they have an info session for the summer asking kids to email resumes in and i know of several students who are working there for the summer
there's an economics-philosophy joint major that is quite popular and worth checking out
ghl and Evercore generally only recruit at ugrad bus schools (i know specifically they go to wharton, ross, mcintire)
yeah that's pretty accurate. most of the boutiques, specialized banks, or whatever else they're being termed as nowadays (i think) have less extensive training programs than the BBs, so they stick to kids who already have a half-decent idea as to what they're doing. i know ghl, Evercore, BX, and laz have presentations and recruit for SA and full-time at stern, except bx which is just a resume drop
(ie don't have even a passing interest in it), why do you want to be in finance?
you should also clarify yourself, aworldapart. hating economics vs. simply being more interested in philosophy than economics on a relative scale is completely different.
hey - my sense is that you can get a job at a bank more-or-less regardless of your major if you go to a top school. That said, you should keep doing internships and make sure to show that you can do quantitative stuff - perhaps you'd like math, if you think you're good at philosophy. But when you're applying for jobs and you have 2 or 3 or more internships on your resume at solid companies, will people care too much what your major is? you've shown interest and shown that you can do the work. in fact, a non-businessy major might help you stand out...
Some exceptions ...
I know of at least one undergrad not from a business program who went through Greenhill's analyst program (Eng. major from Harvard).
Yea no kidding, how the fuck did you get into a PI group of a BB as a freshmen? Either way, good for you man. Majoring in econ I think does give you an advantage as it somewhat expresses your interest and dedication in the field.
Two points regarding a major in philosophy: 1. You're attending Columbia, your marketability is pretty up there regardless of what you major in. 2. Majoring in philosophy is requires a relatively tougher explanation you have to provide during the interview process.
If you were able to transfer to Columbia after freshmen year and also have such a highly regarded internship (and if it really implies what most people on this forum are thinking), I think you're a high caliber student and you have a bright future ahead of you.
Congrats on the transfer and the internship. Best of luck homes.
Economics doesnt equal finance. I am very interested in finance but Economics at university is boring as a subject can get
Accusamus eum natus deleniti. Asperiores tenetur maxime placeat sed ipsa quo. Nemo ut sed ducimus quidem. Quam et minus sapiente aut qui reprehenderit.
Est dolor sed aut sit animi rem ex hic. Consequatur velit quia non ullam et autem.
Amet magni veniam repellendus quae voluptates. Consectetur tempore ab molestiae dolores illum. Repellendus itaque saepe velit minus natus aut voluptas. Sit tenetur consequuntur vel voluptatem. Corporis odio sit id eius.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...