Western SA 2028 IB recruiting without Ivey

To maximize your chances for SA 2028 IB recruiting without Ivey, here’s a focused game plan based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Leverage Your Big 5 Internship

• Network Aggressively: Continue building relationships with bankers at your current firm. Focus on meaningful connections, not just surface-level interactions. Ask for advice, insights, and referrals.
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Impress your team during the internship to ensure you can get solid references or even a return offer.

2. Excel in Academics

• Boost Your GPA: A strong GPA is critical, especially if you’re not in Ivey. Aim for a 3.7+ (or equivalent) to stand out.
• Take Relevant Courses: If you’re in BMOS, supplement your coursework with finance-related electives or certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1, Wall Street Prep, or WSO Elite Modeling Package).

3. Master Technicals

• Study Early and Consistently: You’ve already started studying technicals, which is great. Use resources like the WSO Technical Guide or other modeling courses to ensure you’re prepared for interviews.
• Practice Behavioral Questions: Don’t neglect the fit portion of interviews. Prepare answers to common questions about teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

4. Expand Your Network

• Target Alumni: Reach out to Western alumni in IB, even if they’re not from Ivey. Use LinkedIn and alumni databases to find connections.
• Cold Email Strategically: Focus on boutique and mid-market banks where you might have a better shot. Personalize your outreach and highlight your Big 5 experience.
• Attend Events: Participate in finance-related networking events, conferences, or workshops to meet professionals and recruiters.

5. Build a Strong Resume

• Highlight Your Internship: Emphasize any finance-related tasks or achievements from your Big 5 role.
• Showcase Leadership: Include extracurriculars, clubs, or leadership roles that demonstrate initiative and teamwork.
• Tailor for IB: Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments to make your resume IB-ready.

6. Recruiting for the U.S.

• Focus on Target Firms: Recruiting for the U.S. is challenging without Ivey, but not impossible. Target firms with a history of hiring international candidates or those with Canadian offices.
• Network with U.S. Professionals: Leverage LinkedIn to connect with bankers in the U.S. and express your interest in their market.
• Prepare for Visa Questions: Be ready to address potential visa sponsorship concerns during interviews.

7. Consider Alternative Paths

• Boutique Banks: If Big 5 or U.S. roles don’t work out, consider starting at a boutique or mid-market bank to gain experience and lateral into a larger firm later.
• MBA Route: If you don’t land an IB role after undergrad, consider working for a few years and then pursuing an MBA at a top-tier school to re-enter IB recruiting.

By combining networking, technical preparation, and strategic positioning, you can significantly improve your chances for SA 2028 recruiting—even without Ivey. Keep pushing, and don’t underestimate the power of persistence!

Sources: You want a summer analyst offer? Here's how..., How to prepare for after IB analyst program, Advice for SAs who didn't get return offers, Non-Target with Great Experience and 4.0 GPA - How do I get people to talk to me when Networking or turn HR's head when I apply?, UC Berkeley Undergrad for IB Recruiting