Unsure of my IB path
I am 20 years old currently completing a double major undergrad degree in economics and business. I have a 3.99/4.30 gpa (4.30 scale) or 3.84/4.00 gpa (4.0 scale) and am currently in my third year. My gpa should be higher by the time I graduate. I was planning on going to law school but I have realized I don’t want a career in law. I would ideally like to get an IB job, then exit afterwards. That’s always been the dream. I go to a small school so Im assuming I won’t be able to break into IB after my degree is done next year. As I have no high finance connections as well. I had an internship in a local law firm last year, and I have one at a private wealth management office this summer. If I were to continue to work at this place after the summer fro a couple years, they said they would happily bring me on as an advisor if I got my certs, CSC, CFP. Then I would work on studyng for my GMAT. Then after 2 years of work experience apply to Ivey’s MBA program. I would be 24 at this point. Then hopefully with good networking I could potentially land a high finance job? IB if I’m very lucky? I have dual citizenship for the US and Canada and would be happy to work in both if that increases job opportunities? I guess I just don’t know if it’s even a viable option for someone like me from a small school, or if I should look at other options? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your path to investment banking (IB) is absolutely viable, but it will require strategic planning and execution. Here's a breakdown of your situation and actionable advice:
1. Your Current Position
2. Short-Term Strategy (Next 1-2 Years)
3. Post-Graduation Plan
4. MBA Path
5. Alternative Options
6. Key Takeaways
Keep pushing forward—many have succeeded from similar positions, and with the right strategy, you can too!
Sources: The Allure of Investment Banking, The Allure of Investment Banking, Breaking Into Banking: Your Timetable is Everything
Thank you! I appreciate it. This gives me more of an idea of what I need to do!
Figure out what you actually want post-IB first. So many kids your age think they want IB but have never actually talked to someone doing the job, the hours, the lifestyle, what the day-to-day really looks like. Before you map out a 5-year plan around it, go have some coffee chats with actual investment bankers and see if it’s still the dream after that. If it’s the money and exits you’re after, there are faster paths from a non-target than a half-decade MBA detour. Big 4 TS/Deal Advisory, Corporate Banking, & Commercial Banking are all accessible now, build real skills, and you can lateral later if IB still matters to you.
Thank you for your response it’s greatly appreciated. Maybe that’s a good thing to look at if I want the exit routes. I am just trying to find the way to get to those places, and IB seems like a way to get there. Same with the MBA at Ivey, as it’s a way in, as right now I’m at a small school in a small town in Canada, and lack entrances. But maybe I’m just not looking hard enough too
Look into transferring if that’s an option, but if not, don’t let your school become the determining factor. I’ve seen kids from non-targets land great roles if you’re bright and motivated, the roles I’ve mentioned above are all more than landable for you.
Your GPA is solid. Focus on leveraging whatever connections you do have, network heavy, reach out to alumni from your school in any finance-related role, see if they can make introductions, and build real relationships from there. That alone will take you further than you think.
Also worth noting, MBAs are generally for career switchers with more than 2 years of experience. You’re 20. You don’t need to be planning for one right now. Get into a real role first and let the path reveal itself from there.
Best of luck.
Okay thank you. Would there be any benefit to still going to law school? Or is that a waste of time and energy if I want high finance?
If you already know you don’t want a career in law, don’t go to law school. It’s 3 years and six figures in debt just to end up back where you are now, except older. Put that time toward getting into finance directly, you’ll be years ahead.
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