Is economics/finance worth studying in UK if you go to semi targets?
Is a business degree actually worth studying? I’ve applied already, but I’m starting to regret it because the universities I’ve applied to aren’t really elite “target” schools, and finance careers seem extremely elitist.
Am I basically cooked, know finance isn’t just about the degree itself and that networking, internships, and experience matter a lot but how difficult is that process in reality? How competitive and manageable is it to actually break into a good role after graduation from a semi-target university?
I’d really appreciate insight from someone who’s studying a business related course and gone through this process. I’m trying to understand whether this path is realistically viable or if I should be reconsidering my options. The universities I applied to are Durham, UCL, Brisitol and Exeter all pretty much semi targets.
Breaking into finance from a semi-target university in the UK is absolutely possible, but it requires a strategic approach. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
1. Semi-Target Universities Are Not a Dead End
2. Networking is Key
3. Internships and Work Experience
4. Grades and Extracurriculars
5. Competitiveness and Manageability
6. Is a Business Degree Worth It?
7. Final Thoughts
In summary, while the path from a semi-target to a top finance role is more challenging, it’s far from impossible. With determination, strategic planning, and consistent effort, you can absolutely make it happen.
Sources: Don't come to Penn/Wharton to work in finance and make money, An old man looking for advice, The Rise of The Semi-Target, An old man looking for advice, Q&A: Buy-Side Analyst
I'm not really convinved UCL is a semi-target if they send more kids to IB in London than Oxford or Cambridge
source: https://app.1learner.com/insights/london-ib-cohort-by-university
Out of the ones you applied to, I would say that UCL and Durham are the ones to target, followed by Bristol and then Exeter. All are excellent schools tho, with some EBs hiring mainly from a single school (e.g. Evercore is known for hiring from Durham). You're not cooked as banks actively recruiting from these schools, if not quite as much as oxbridge, imperial etc. Your degree does not matter, as long as you have one from somewhere fairly reputable (all of your schools are excellent as mentioned before) and you've done networking, internships, finance clubs/societies, know your technicals etc. as thats what banks really look at. Being at a target may get you a first round interview, but after that it's all you. So, in conclusion, all are great schools and you would'nt be overly disadvantaged going to any of them, so make sure to work on your technicals/ understanding of banking as that's what they actually care about.
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