Breaking Into IB - MSF worth it? (Unique Situation)

Hi all, I'm a rising junior at a top state school in the NJ/NY area, double majoring in finance and economics with a 3.75 GPA. Before attending my current university, I attended community college, where I had a 2.3 GPA my first year. It took me 3 years to graduate (due to going through a deep depression and losing myself.) However, I got my shit together, got help, graduated with a 3.3 GPA, and received a full-ride scholarship to attend my current university.

I recently got interested in pursuing a career in IB and have started going over the guides. I am currently doing an internship at a search fund (my only internship experience so far). I am getting great experience in modeling, deal sourcing and will be getting more experience over time.

I know I am late for SA recruiting for 2022, but I wanted to ask what my options are to break into IB?

1) Should I rely on FT analyst recruiting next year? If so, should I cold email boutique banks and PE firms in New York for a winter and spring analyst role and do the same for a SA role to gain more experience just in time for FT recruiting?

2) Should I get an MSF at a top school such as Vandy or UT- Austin that places well in IB after graduating in December 2022 (I'll be 24)? If so, should I start studying for the GMAT now to get to better my chances of getting a score of a 700+?

I am looking forward to your responses. Thanks, guys!

5 Comments
 

Since you're a rising junior, I feel like you still have time to shoot your shot. I say try building your network (especially if your school is a top state school); there have to be alumni in IB. Then reassess end of junior year and then you will really know if MSF is the best route or not.

 

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