Deciding what career to choose

I’m currently in my 3rd year in college majoring in math. I’m 90% done with my core content in math. Took some finance classes and got a minor in CS. Thinking about going into IB or quant, any skills or advice I should know before applying for an internship?

What are the must have skills for IB or quant? Where to apply for internship? It seems like I have no chance since I’m not from an Ivy school.

I don’t even know what to do with my degree at this point. I’m so lost, but I love finance and stocks

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

Must-Have Skills for Investment Banking (IB)

  1. Technical Skills:

    • Accounting
    • Valuation
    • Financial Modeling
    • Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  2. Soft Skills:

    • Discipline & Work Ethic
    • Attention to Detail & Consistency
    • Prioritization & Efficiency
    • Dependability
    • Ability to Get Along with Others / Friendliness
    • Endurance and Commitment
  3. Other Important Traits:

    • Enthusiasm
    • Grit
    • Commercialism

Must-Have Skills for Quantitative Trading (Quant)

  1. Quantitative Skills:

    • Strong Mathematical Foundation
    • Statistical Analysis
    • Programming Skills (Python, R, C++)
  2. Technical Skills:

    • Financial Modeling
    • Data Analysis
  3. Soft Skills:

    • Attention to Detail
    • Team Player
    • Ability to Look at the Big Picture

Where to Apply for Internships

  • Investment Banks: Look for opportunities at firms like Jefferies & Company, Lincoln International, Lazard Freres, William Blair, and Financial Technology Partners.
  • Networking: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn and WSO to connect with professionals in the industry.
  • Career Services: Leverage your college's career services for internship placements and networking events.

Overcoming Non-Ivy Background

  • Leverage Your Strengths: Highlight your strong math background, finance classes, and CS minor.
  • Network Aggressively: Attend industry events, join finance clubs, and connect with alumni.
  • Tailor Your Applications: Customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant skills and experiences.

Additional Resources

  • WSO Investment Banking Interview Course: Designed by professionals to help you prepare for interviews.
  • WSO Financial Modeling Course: To enhance your technical skills in Excel and financial modeling.

Final Thoughts

Given your passion for finance and stocks, both IB and quant roles could be a good fit. Focus on building the necessary skills, networking, and leveraging available resources to increase your chances of landing an internship.

If you need more detailed guidance, consider exploring the WSO forums and resources for further insights.

Sources: Top 3 Skills Needed for Investment Banking, Skills needed for a quantitative trader?, Most sought-after skills for Quantitative research position, Q&A on Investment Banking Required Skillsets, CFA Prep, and Financial Modeling, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/public-finance-qa?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Blanditiis voluptas culpa magni illum fugiat id autem. Quae in veniam sint quia eos quos sed quae. Dolores asperiores ipsam ipsam labore facere enim voluptatem. Et autem enim consequatur repellat atque sunt aliquam non. Ut nihil odio qui error occaecati ut. Eveniet ab eos ut enim.

Facere beatae tempora laboriosam eum nihil qui. Asperiores fuga velit iusto architecto distinctio sit ipsum. Deleniti doloremque fuga velit quo esse quo est sit. Rem voluptas nemo qui optio quia dolores. Aspernatur maiores voluptates corporis doloremque sed et ad.

Debitis iste sint dolorum iste distinctio provident non. Sint voluptatem et quis dicta. Deleniti similique rerum nihil. Et et aspernatur sed inventore qui assumenda enim est.

Labore velit quia nisi enim voluptate in error id. Omnis dolor suscipit qui ratione ex. Voluptatibus delectus voluptas natus rerum. Quod rerum ullam id tempore harum. Voluptatibus sequi facilis maiores consequatur culpa consequatur repellendus. Dolorum dignissimos quo id sint sit quidem explicabo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”