Non-US high school sophomore (IB)

I’m currently studying in 10th grade in UAE (American board) and I have decided to pursue BBA finance to eventually land a finance job, preferably IB. I have done a bit of research on finance careers and don’t plan to stop, and I’m aware of the unpleasant working hours I should expect to face if I were to get an ideal job in a BB or an EB bank but I want to try it out. I believe that if I stay at least past the analyst phase, I can get the best exit opportunities to something like PE if I do decide to quit. What should I do to maximize my chances? That is, apart from nailing my SATs and taking AP classes to get into a target university. I have been watching finance movies, reading books about investing and I do currently invest in the stock market. Like I said, since I’m not based in the US, it’s hard for me to find a mentor or something of that sort. I do have to mention that I plan on going to college in the US, hence work there.

Anything like books, courses, etc. that would help me get the edge over my competitors in the future is very much appreciated.

4 Comments
 

To maximize your chances of breaking into Investment Banking (IB) as a non-US high school sophomore planning to study in the US, here’s a roadmap based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Academic Excellence:

    • Focus on excelling in your SATs and AP classes, as you mentioned. Aim for a top-tier target school (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.) or a strong semi-target (NYU Stern, Michigan Ross, etc.).
    • Consider taking AP courses in Economics, Statistics, and Calculus if available, as they align well with finance.
  2. Extracurriculars:

    • Join or start a finance/investment club at your school. If unavailable, create a personal finance blog or YouTube channel to showcase your knowledge and passion.
    • Participate in finance-related competitions like the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition or Model UN for leadership skills.
  3. Networking:

    • Start building your network early. Use LinkedIn to connect with alumni from your future target schools or professionals in IB. Even as a high schooler, showing curiosity and initiative can leave a positive impression.
    • Attend virtual finance webinars or events to learn and network.
  4. Practical Experience:

    • Continue investing in the stock market and document your learnings. This will be a great talking point in future interviews.
    • Explore virtual internships or finance-related programs like JPMorgan’s Virtual Experience Program on platforms like Forage.
  5. Skill Development:

    • Learn financial modeling and Excel early. Platforms like Wall Street Prep and Breaking Into Wall Street offer beginner-friendly courses.
    • Familiarize yourself with valuation techniques (DCF, comps, etc.) and accounting basics.
  6. Books to Read:

    • Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions by Rosenbaum and Pearl.
    • The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham.
    • Monkey Business by Rolfe and Troob (for a humorous take on IB life).
    • Barbarians at the Gate by Burrough and Helyar (to understand PE and M&A).
  7. Courses and Resources:

    • Enroll in WSO’s Financial Modeling & Valuation Bootcamps for hands-on learning.
    • Take free online courses on Coursera or edX in finance, accounting, or economics.
    • Follow finance-related YouTube channels like Aswath Damodaran’s lectures on valuation.
  8. Long-Term Strategy:

    • Once in college, secure internships early (even unpaid ones) to build your resume. Aim for boutique firms initially if BB/EB roles are competitive.
    • Join finance clubs, case competitions, and leverage your school’s career services.

By starting early and staying consistent, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for IB and beyond. Keep learning, networking, and building your profile!

Sources: Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, As a freshman what should I be doing?, Just started realizing the necessities as a sophomore. Hoping for advice., The Allure of Investment Banking, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Do enough to get into a good US university, but seriously touch some grass. There’s no need to get serious about finance recruiting until freshman year at the ABSOLUTE earliest.

 

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