Choosing Between U.S. Non-Target and AUS Target
Hello WSO community,
I'm currently at a crucial point in my academic journey and would greatly appreciate your insights and advice. For context, I am an 18-year-old freshman enrolled at a non-target university in a large American city, and I am both an Australian citizen and a United States Permanent Resident. While I am making progress in my academics and networking at my current university, I've been considering transferring to the University of Sydney to enhance my chances of breaking into IB, as it is considered a target school in Australia. Before making such a significant decision, I'm keen to understand the feasibility of breaking into a U.S. bulge bracket office, with an Australian degree, because my end goal is to end up working full-time in the United States, not Australia.
Here are a few questions I'd appreciate your insights on:
-
How do recruiters in the U.S. perceive Australian universities, especially for roles in investment banking or other areas within bulge bracket offices?
-
Is it a better option to continue at my current U.S. university, even though it's a non-target, considering the American "Advantage"?
-
What additional advice do you have for someone in my position, aiming to make a strategic move for their education and career?
Thank you in advance for sharing your expertise and experiences.
I know someone who did Aus target uni -> GS/MS/JPM in Aus for a few years -> lateral to GS/MS in the US as an associate.
Considering the probability of breaking into the industry, I think Sydney is better than a US non-target. But breaking directly from Sydney to US IB is pretty minimal unless you secure an SA in the US somehow.
Networking efforts will still be similar to a US non target as not many people from Sydney here.
Another factor is as a green card holder, you cannot be leaving the US soil for more than a period of 6 months. You might make some exception for a degree (less probable) but after working it will be invalid. However, there is a separate visa for Australian nationals. So if you get into top BB in Aus, lateralling is very possible specially if you keep networking early on.
Ultimately, choice is yours. Have to strike the balance between Aus target -> top Aus banking for a few years and losing green card for the time being -> lateral
or
take chances with a US non-target - which requires multitude of efforts than from a target as well. And breaking into a top bank might not be as feasible as with USyd. So will need to cast a wide net with MMs and LMMs.
.
Quod eos dolor est ut voluptatem. Totam perspiciatis velit maxime fugiat illo. Enim ut hic dolorum laudantium quia sit. Quam nostrum velit voluptate eius at velit. Et veritatis in ipsum voluptas officia ipsam quos cupiditate.
Aut enim corporis illo quam. Dolor sint aut et perspiciatis molestias quo atque possimus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...