Breaking into Corporate Banking

Hi everyone,  

I’m an international student from India currently pursuing my Master’s in Management at Ivey Business School in Canada. Before this, I worked at Goldman Sachs in India for a year in middle-office operations, focusing on industry product settlement. While I’m grateful for the experience, I realized that I don’t want to be limited to back-office or middle-office roles.  

I’m deeply intrigued by corporate banking and eager to break into the field. However, as an international student without prior internships in corporate banking and no co-op opportunities built into my program, I’m finding it challenging to navigate this transition. From networking, I’ve learned that many entry-level roles in corporate banking are filled by candidates with prior internships or highly relevant experience, which makes the journey feel even tougher.  

Here’s where I need your advice:  
- What actionable steps can I take to position myself better for corporate banking roles?  
- Are there certifications, courses, or skills that would significantly improve my chances?  
- How can I make the most of networking as someone who’s new to Canada?  

I’m willing to put in the work—whether that’s studying, taking on projects, or learning on my own—to achieve this goal. I’m also actively looking for a mentor who could guide me on this path and help me bridge the gap.