In my current situation, what advice could one give with regards to studies that could lead to a career in investment banking?

Hi

So I am currently seeking advice with regards to subject/degree choice with regards to a career in investment banking.

Currently I am a 3rd year Geology major at Rhodes university in South Africa. I had my doubts about my career choice from day 1, but decided to just go on through it. After 6 weeks of work experience at acacia gold mine in Tanzania and a few weeks of various work experience across mines in South Africa, I have decided it is not a field of work that I wish to pursue. I plan to just complete my undergrad degree and apply for a BCOM degree elsewhere. Might perhaps seek bursary opportunities, some advice with regards to this would be appreciated.

I have done a fair amount of research with regards to investment banking. Prop trading, somewhat interests me. I have thought of applying for a BCOM acc degree at the university of Cape Town, WITS is also an option. Just not entirely sure what other subject choices would be be beneficial? Finance, Economics, Maths?

I know this would be sometime in the future, but I would like to perhaps write the CFA exam once I had finished my undergrad. I just wish to plan ahead, with regards to my subject choice in order to best prepare me for these exams.

Any general advice would be much appreciated.

0 Comments

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (45) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”