Currently at a Non target is going to a top university worth it to break into Investment banking?

Hey Guys I need your advice, long story short I'm 23 years old (sophomore) at a completely nontarget looking to break into front office finance(figured I wanted to get into banking late) specifically in the restructuring group. I know brand recognition is very important so I am considering going to get my Master's at a top Uni (UMichigan) if accepted I was looking to get a master's in accounting at UMichigan because UMichigan doesn't have a Master's in finance program. Will going to a top Uni help me rebrand myself? Does it matter what Master's program I seek? and does completing my studies at 27 make me a lesser candidate for an analyst position?

11 Comments
 

I also heard of the university you mentioned that has reputable MF programs. I'm based in Chicago and wanted to stay somewhat close to home but I know UChicago is a long shot with its very low grad acceptance rate.

 

Realistically any program worth going to for a masters would be highly selective. The high barriers to entry are what bring prestige to programs and earn them a reputation. It’s probably best to just network like crazy, get involved in as many competitions and clubs as possible to pad your resume and recruit for IB right now. It can be done. If you can’t get into a large bank try a boutique, even if it’s small. Any M&A experience is better than none.

Also I would change your username from any actual names just to stay anonymous.

 

Quasi recusandae voluptatum saepe tenetur ullam cumque tenetur. Quia ut consequuntur officiis iure occaecati. Magnam mollitia quod dicta eligendi. Aut et et qui fugit quidem consectetur quia placeat.

In sint blanditiis reprehenderit omnis illum blanditiis eligendi. Quos sit animi ipsam aut quae sit fugiat. Tempore dolorem et similique aliquam id. Est voluptatem optio corrupti alias quia.

Ullam dicta ex optio modi repellendus quam molestiae. Eum et quia illum provident aliquam.

Accusantium maiores iusto magnam unde placeat sunt. Eos earum et aut harum. Numquam est perferendis fuga doloremque laboriosam saepe voluptatem. Sint expedita ipsam ut aut voluptatem modi. Aut non sequi harum dolorum harum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”