Please help me choose a university program

Hey,

Ottawa University= lower tier school Queens University= upper tier school (In Canada we have business faculties. Economics is part of the faculty of arts. Finance falls under the faculty of business.)

I want to pursue a career in banking, so I'd like to know which program you think is best suited to get me there. My thinking is that Queen's economics is my best option because economics students at Queen's are allowed to take courses within the commerce faculty and additionally economics students are also given access to the Smith School of Business career services (Business faculty at Queens). I also know that a lot of Queen's students are hired by the big five banks. My primary worry with Ottawa Finance is that the big five banks hire very few of their undergrad graduates.

I'd also like to state that the economics program at Queens is very modern and quantitative. The reasoning behind why I think haveing access to the faculty of commerce program at queens is a "plus" is that I'll still be able to take courses that would give me the skills and knowledge that I need to work as a financial analyst. Additionally, there are more networking opportunities at Queens then Ottawa.

I have heard of students in the Queens economics programs getting jobs at Canadian banks and big American banks such as Citigroup. I have also heard of some Ottawa business grads getting jobs at some of the "big 5" Canadian banks.

I understand how difficult it is to get into banking, but it is my optimal goal and I would like to know which program is more likely to get me there.

All thoughts are greatly appreciated, Thanks

6 Comments
 
Best Response

Queens, AINEC. Speaking from a perspective of someone who was in your position last year. I was debating between JMSB and McGill. Went to McGill and I'm so happy I didn't make the mistake of going to JMSB. Being in a target school helps enormously, not only in terms of recruiting, but in terms of the people you meet every day in the academic environment.

If you want to work in IBD, maximize your chances with Queens, Ivey, McGill and (if necessary) Rotman.

Search on google "Breaking Bay Street: Battle of the Undergrads", it should help your decision making process substansially

 

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