Should I even try to get into IB?

Going to Rutgers as a finance major, should I even set my aspirations towards IB? Is it possible to get in?

Basically, if I get a high GPA and network my ass off - is it likely? Seems like Rutgers offers a lot of clubs to connect to alumni, and I found the amount of alumni on LinkedIn surprising. But others debate that the rep just isn’t there.

Is it a realistic goal if I maintain a high GPA and bust my ass networking?

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A question to ask yourself is: what would you do if others on this forum told you it wasn’t possible? What are you looking for with this question? If people tell you it isn’t possible are you going to not try?

The reason I think that is important is because a lot of these jobs require a lot of determination/grit, and that doesn’t come from other people, you have to want it.

Do you want to work in IB/finance or not? And if so, why? Also understand that there are many different finance roles (even within IB), so start thinking about what you actually want.

You are in school, a decent school (I say decent as in not a “target”), so it isn’t like you are trying to do something that has never been done (there are plenty of Rutgers alumni across the street).

Will it be hard? Yes. Do target schools have plenty of advantages? Yes. But if that is the thing you want you should get the highest GPA possible, join the relevant clubs, network with the right people.

The question of is it possible is a bit silly, that has been answered many times (see alumni who work in IB), I think you are more asking about the path to get there and the possibility of it happeneing, but that is too hard to answer, the probability of landing a career in finance for someone with a great resume, etc is pretty reasonable (then you get into BB vs smaller shop debate, etc.)

 

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