IB Suitable MAJORS/DEGREES predicament

Hi there

Im an aspiring IB and currently about to graduate high school and looking at degrees/majors to graduate in at university in order to become an IB. Im looking at two degrees currently: Economics and Accounting & Finance (Yes thats just one). Are both degrees satisfactory in the path to becoming an IB? And if so, which is the better one? Will it have an effect on my chances of becoming an IB if I take Accounting and Finance because the course is a bit more interesting than Economics?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

13 Comments
 

I would suggest going with the Accounting & Finance program. You'll hear many times that "accounting is the language of business" and this is essentially what IB is about. You then use your understanding of the accounting principles and 3 statements to build valuations (finance). Economics is an interesting field, but largely theoretical.

You should also read the article on M&I titled "Investment Banking Major".

*This advice does not apply if you're looking at a number of ivy/target schools which only offer Economics programs, but again if given the option you should take the most number of accounting/finance classes you can take.

 

If your school offers it, do accounting and finance. Accounting is invaluable knowledge in banking. Otherwise, pick whatever interests you, but make sure to stay involved in any finance-related clubs at your school.

Not sure why people are recommending math, but there really is no math in IB. Don't get me wrong, math is a great major for your general knowledge and ability to think critically, but it does not apply the same way that accounting or finance does.

 

Mollitia nesciunt aliquid qui aliquid est facilis explicabo a. Non quo praesentium expedita eveniet eveniet dolore nulla rerum. Eum qui quia quo ut veniam.

Assumenda molestias labore aut alias est iusto. Dolorum aliquam omnis nobis ducimus. Qui quis distinctio sit. Velit qui et id quis non ut id. Autem delectus architecto temporibus distinctio officiis porro.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”