Can a Non-Target be a successful banker?

The title isn’t exactly what I am trying to get at.

I’m an incoming analyst at a BB in NYC from the most non of targets. If I was interested in being a career banker, would I eventually have to get an MBA at a Wharton/Harvard/Stanford etc. to be a successful Director/Managing Director?

Serious question.

8 Comments
 

Have seen plenty people who didn't go to targets. Many are from semi-targets at best. When you read WSO you get the feel that everybody in this industry is from HBS. This is not the case at all. Also, while MBAs have gained traction, not every MD has one.

Having said all of this, the right school, the right network and the right internships increase your chances to land the gig in the first place. Depending on the group or time of your application you may be unsuccessful because of your competitors.

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