Should I Transfer? (Non-Target)
Made an intro thread but posting here so people can see. Currently a freshman at a non-target SEC (roll tide). After a lot of indecision, I've decided to go the finance route, but I'm a little late in the game (hopefully will be joining the investment club next year and possibly a fraternity as well to take on a financial role).
I know that I can rock an awesome GPA and ECs, but I'm worried about the school's non-target status. Is it that big of a deal? Would transferring into target/semi help if I had to do an econ major because of my lack of pre-reqs (such as Cornell ILR or UNC/UVA Econ)? I should also mention that I could graduate from my current school debt-free.
I'm aware there are many threads like this, but hopefully I can get some specific advice tailored to my situation or come into contact with someone who can help me out.
Considering the debt-free status I would say no. Yeah, as a non-target myself, it's harder. But if you have a great GPA and ECs and can manage to land a relevant internship soon, you are still a competitive candidate. It's not the end of the world. I would focus on getting the best grades you can and really pursuing any internships you can (might be hard given the area, not familiar).
Thanks for the response. I noticed that people on this forum stress pedigree a lot, but it seems to me that in the real world hard work can take you anywhere. Also, I won't be totally debt-free. I'm expecting maybe 20k. Does that change your answer?
Are internships generally pursued in the summer after freshman year? I live close to NYC and Philly so I might be able to land something better than here.
They are not, but it puts you in a GREAT position if you can land something even remotely relevant. Definitely look into some boutique, wealth management, small PE firms, etc in NYC/Philly. Likely will be unpaid but will be very worth it.
Obviously if you can transfer into a top target go for it.
This was something I really considered during my sophomore year. I ultimately chose not to transfer and ended up at an EB, but if I had to give advice, I'd say that if you aren't repeating a year and think you can do it, just do it. Going to a target will open many more doors for you initially and will give you access to an arguably "stronger" network. Pedigree isn't everything, but it has value, so unless there's something keeping you from leaving, it doesn't hurt to take a chance.
What was your experience like getting that role? I transferred to a target and am happy with my decision because I would not have been able to get my role coming from my original school, but I wonder if I would've been able to network into something similar had I not transferred.
It was a ton of networking over the summer. A ton. I was probably having a phone call almost every day; sometimes multiple scheduled a day. And I formed a stronger connection with my contact in the EB, since I visited the area for a week-long vacation after my internship and sat down with him over coffee during my visit.
It's obviously a lot tougher to get into banking coming from a non-target. The way I see it though, there's always gonna be way to move closer to your goals no matter where you are.
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