Breaking into IB in Canada/Bay Street

Hey Guys,

I know this is a well sought after/discussed question, but I wanted my individual circumstances assessed. I am planning to immigrate to Canada and am hopeful that my PR will be approved shortly. I was hoping to break into IB in Canada but after reviewing some discussions on this forum, I have concluded that I need a MFin or related degree from a popular/reputed uni to be more hireable. My profile is as follows;

Age – 25 Qualifications – Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, CFA Charterholder and have passed 6 exams of the ASA designation from the Society of Actuaries (but no undergrad). Experience – Working as Head of Treasury for the past 5 years in a small utility company (Market Cap - US$ 200 mln) in Pakistan

I am concerned that without an undergrad, I will fall short from being admitted into any of the top Mfin programs (Queens, Rotman, Schulich, Waterloo or Laurier). Without the MFin, breaking into IB will be difficult. Given that I am new immigrant networking my way in will also not be possible.

Your advise/help is solicited.

4 Comments
 

You might be hooped. I can't see any of the IB firms taking someone without an undergrad. Coming from a nontarget is already hard enough, especially in Canada (Ivey + Queens run the show).

Some of my dad's friends who came from India had to take shit jobs even though they had bachelor degrees in stuff. I know someone who worked in a grocery store and he was a lawyer in India.

 
Best Response

Et iure velit culpa aut id. Ratione et ut tempora. Iure et ex doloremque. Aut et aliquid voluptatem rem. Culpa veniam vel consequuntur fugiat accusantium libero. Aut at molestiae molestiae suscipit voluptatum et delectus.

Qui optio sit earum soluta nam commodi. Voluptatem in sint sapiente qui suscipit dolor. Quaerat aliquid voluptas sequi labore eveniet. Temporibus sunt quam eum corrupti excepturi et similique mollitia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (55) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”