Here’s the dilemma. I know smu cox is better ranked across the board for IB recruiting, but numbers don’t say everything. I have a substantially bigger scholarship at UM, and want to know if I’d be shooting myself in the foot by going there and saving money. Is there a presence of UM alum in analyst positions in IB compared to SMU?
| +379 | Evercore Intern Seizure | 56 | 1h |
| +74 | JPM M&A is Gone??? Purely Coverage Banking??? | 33 | 1h |
| +62 | Is DCM actually underrated ? | 26 | 23m |
| +53 | How do I understand vs. just memorizing? | 9 | 2h |
| +48 | Losing my personality in Banking | 9 | 1d |
| +47 | Are all Tech / TMT groups sweaty? | 38 | 1d |
| +42 | Associate & Above IB exits | 16 | 4d |
| +33 | Incoming IB Analyst: Best Ways to Prepare? | 11 | 8h |
| +27 | Which groups are ideal for laterals? | 12 | 1d |
| +24 | Thoughts on PEI Global Partners? | 4 | 2d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, SMU Cox is a significantly stronger choice for investment banking (IB) recruiting compared to the University of Miami (UM). Here's why:
IB Placement Strength: SMU Cox has a robust track record for IB placements, especially in Texas markets like Dallas and Houston. Alumni from SMU are well-represented across major banks, including Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, Evercore, and JPMorgan, particularly in energy-focused roles. The "alts program" at SMU is a standout feature, with nearly 100% placement into IB roles, including top-tier cities like NYC, LA, and SF.
Alumni Network: SMU boasts a strong and growing alumni base in IB, particularly in Texas and other major financial hubs. This network is a critical advantage for securing interviews and offers. UM, while a solid school, does not have the same level of alumni presence or reputation in IB.
Recruiting Opportunities: SMU offers on-campus recruiting (OCR) for nearly every bank with a presence in Houston and Dallas, and its alumni network is expanding in NYC. UM does not have the same level of OCR or alumni connections in IB, which could make breaking into the industry more challenging.
Scholarship Consideration: While the larger scholarship at UM is appealing, the long-term career benefits of attending SMU for IB could outweigh the short-term financial savings. SMU's placement strength and network could lead to higher earning potential and better career opportunities in the long run.
In summary, if your primary goal is to break into IB, SMU Cox is the better choice due to its stronger placement record, alumni network, and recruiting opportunities. However, if the financial burden of attending SMU is too significant, you may need to weigh the cost savings at UM against the potential challenges of breaking into IB from there.
Sources: SMU in Dallas, Boutique IB is a lie -- Experience Rant, UW Madison or UF, Southern Methodist Uni (SMU)
Miami alum here. The answer is probably SMU given the longer track record of placing ppl on the street. That being said, the UM alumni network has exploded as of late (probably 2x over the last 4 ish years). All the UM alums make a concerted effort to talk to and be a resource for Miami candidates (especially if you’re a bermont Carlin scholar). Feel free to PM if you have Qs
Umiami kid who has recently gone thru IB recruiting. I can’t speak to SMU much.
UM is a great school and contrary to public perception, actually great for recruiting. If you put the work in you’ll get looks from anywhere you would otherwise (speaking from experience I’ll be going to a top BB/EB). UM alums generally are very helpful and we have a presence at pretty much every firm on the street. There’s a program called Bermont Carlin that takes ~25 sophomores to NYC for a week and puts them in front of all the best firms. I’d say we’re sending 25 or so kids to Wall Street each year. Any kid that wants IB, puts in a decent amount of effort, and is of average intelligence places somewhere. But if you’re a senior in HS now and already thinking about banking, you’ll probably place wherever you go. Feel free to DM me.
Del
The other thing I’ll say tho, is you’ll have a ton more fun at Miami. Source… me.
Et optio molestiae quia et omnis animi esse. Neque unde vero ullam quia rerum hic dolorum laboriosam. Dolore exercitationem a dolorem ullam voluptas. Perspiciatis maiores at sed est. Perspiciatis sit sit similique qui velit iste.
Nobis sit dicta amet omnis provident officiis. Hic adipisci nihil sed quibusdam dolores et et. Inventore nemo nostrum unde dolorem provident aut enim. Est aut eos libero sequi placeat excepturi provident. Et aspernatur odit est molestiae. Fugiat quia non laborum voluptas. Eveniet aspernatur maiores fugit sed explicabo iste vel cumque.
Fugiat omnis consequuntur libero eos. Minima voluptatem est alias facere. Enim quibusdam autem cum et deserunt laboriosam quod. Tenetur tenetur voluptas fugit ratione quia. Amet nobis quasi et exercitationem illo. Id omnis eligendi sit odio.
Cupiditate ipsum consequatur aspernatur placeat reiciendis cumque. Id sed nam debitis ut. Illum sunt non vel facilis reprehenderit.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...