Can I get a job in IB, in London, if I have a degree from another country?

Hi, everyone! I am a student from a Western European country and this year I'm graduating with a degree in Banking & Finance and another one in Computer Science. Although, my university is considered to be one of the most prestigious in the country, on the international map it's average at best. 

I am very passionate about the finacial sector and I've always wanted to have a career in this industry. My plan was to relocate to London, start in IB (front office), endure the pain for 3-4 years and then look for exit opportunities on the buy side.

Now that I have a few months left before graduating, I started looking into it. The first thing that caught my attention is the recruitment strategy that these Bulge Bracket banks use. Some sources say that they only accept applications from top tier universities, others say that a strong academic background and experience in the field are the only things that matter. 

I did an Internship for a local bank last summer, but I doubt that it will be of great help when applying for these international banks. 

In conclusion, I have neither a degree from a top tier university nor solid experience in the field. What are my chances in securing an IB position for an international bank (front office) in London, UK? Also English is not my first language. Is this going to make it even harder for me?

Thank you in advance!

 

I will look into it.

Even then, do banks agree to sponsor visas? I've been told it's very difficult to convince them into employing a foreign citizen. 
 

Thank you!

 

Thank you for your answer! How did you manage to secure the Internship? Is it at a bulge bracket bank? How did you convince them to sponsor your visa
 

Hopefully you will find time to answer my follow-up questions. Thank you!

 

I started looking into moving to London and IB specifically only a few months ago, since my intial plan was to work in my home country. 
 

After my internship, I realized that what they do here is not interesting and fast-paced enough. I did not get to use my knowledge at all. Also, as it happens in almost all industries in western Europe, nepotism is another problem. So career advancement was out of question. 
 

Now, I am on the lookout for opportunities abroad. IB struck my interest as it is in line with what I'm looking for. 

 

Ut iste commodi modi aut inventore vel ratione. Exercitationem laudantium dolores aut non reiciendis animi.

A quod ut odit veritatis omnis. Ut ipsum soluta et. Commodi sit sint libero et.

Repellendus ut sapiente et qui tempora fugiat vitae. Voluptate dolorem vitae est molestias sed iste. Facere corrupti blanditiis nesciunt architecto culpa.

Praesentium molestiae tempora cupiditate expedita neque. Itaque cum quis voluptatem consequatur voluptatum quia nobis. Tenetur incidunt voluptatum nisi doloremque officia voluptatem hic. Ullam praesentium et optio facere magni. Reprehenderit quaerat molestiae ea sit sequi ut et eos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”