Easiest banks to break into from a non/semi target (UK)?

Assuming someone’s currently studying Postgrad at a non/semi target (Think Nottingham, KCL, Cass, Exeter) which UK banks are the easiest break into. Ofcourse breaking into banking is never easy but at what banks are your chances the highest?

4 Comments
 

You've answered your own question, no bank is easy. This is especially true now with the prevalence of things such as the Bristol tracker, where MM and smaller boutique banks get thousands of applications.

 

Understandable, I wasn’t implying banking was by any means easy to get into moreso asking what banks are relatively easier to break into compared to your typical BBs.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, breaking into investment banking from a non-target or semi-target school in the UK can be challenging, but there are some strategies and banks where your chances might be relatively higher:

Semi-Target Schools:

  • Nottingham
  • King's College London (KCL)
  • Cass Business School
  • Exeter

Strategies:

  1. Networking: Leverage alumni networks and attend industry events to build connections.
  2. Grades: Aim for high academic performance, ideally a GPA of 3.7 or above.
  3. Internships: Secure relevant internships early on to build your resume.
  4. Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement explaining your interest in finance and banking.

Banks with Higher Chances:

While no bank is "easy" to break into, some banks might have a slightly higher intake from semi-target schools. These include:

  • Mid-Market Banks: These banks might have less competitive recruitment processes compared to bulge bracket banks.
  • Boutique Investment Banks: Smaller firms often value specific skills and experiences over the prestige of your school.
  • Regional Offices: Applying to regional offices of larger banks can sometimes be less competitive than their main offices in London.

Examples of Banks:

  • Rothschild & Co
  • Lazard
  • Jefferies
  • Houlihan Lokey
  • Macquarie

Additional Tips:

  • Spring Weeks and Summer Internships: Participate in these programs as they often lead to full-time offers.
  • Professional Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications like CFA Level 1 to enhance your profile.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Engage in finance-related clubs and competitions to demonstrate your passion and skills.

By focusing on these strategies and targeting the right banks, you can improve your chances of breaking into investment banking from a non-target or semi-target school in the UK.

Sources: Simplified Guide to Breaking in as Non-Target (EASIER THAN YOU THINK), A bunch of target / semi - target schools have decided to prevent banks from recruiting on campus before the fall, Do banks in UK primarily recruit undergrads or master student?, Introducing my kids to IB (in advance), 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition

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

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