Trying to Break into IB / M&A / PE / HF – Any Tips?

Hey guys, I’m a second-year Economics student from Italy, currently trying to figure out the best way to break into finance – especially Investment Banking (with a strong interest in M&A), Private Equity, or maybe even Hedge Funds down the line.

I’ve started following markets daily, learning basic modeling, and joining finance-related communities to gain more exposure. Still, it’s not easy to navigate the path when you’re not in a UK/US target school.

For context, I hold Italian, American, and British citizenship, so I’m pretty flexible in terms of relocation and open to international opportunities.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s been through this: • What actually helped you land your first interviews/offers? • Any certifications, competitions, or projects that made a difference? • How did you build connections if you weren’t coming from a target school?

Really appreciate any advice or feedback – thanks a lot in advance!

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