Economics Student @ NYU CAS vs. Stern

Based on the most helpful WSO content, being an Economics student at NYU CAS versus Stern does present some differences in terms of opportunities for finance and MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) placements. Here's the breakdown:

1. Access to Resources and Networking:
   Stern students have a significant advantage when it comes to networking and on-campus recruitment. Stern organizes exclusive events like roundtables, seminars, and conferences that connect students directly with professionals in finance and consulting. CAS Economics students, while having access to the university's career center, may not enjoy the same level of targeted exposure to these opportunities.

2. Placement in Finance (IB):
   Stern has a stronger reputation and track record for placing students into top finance roles, including investment banking. CAS Economics students can still break into IB, but it often requires additional effort, such as leveraging personal connections, gaining unique skills, or standing out through extracurricular achievements. Notably, NYU Math + Computer Science or Econ + Math combinations tend to have better IB placement than standalone Economics from CAS.

3. Placement in MBB Consulting:
   While Stern is considered a "target" school for MBB, CAS Economics students face a steeper climb. MBB firms value Stern's practical, business-focused curriculum and its proximity to NYC's professional network. CAS students can still make it, but they may need to demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, or unique experiences to compete effectively.

4. Breaking In Without Stern:
   It's not impossible to succeed from CAS Economics. Many students have broken into finance or consulting by:

   • Building a strong personal network.
   • Excelling in internships (even unpaid ones initially).
   • Developing standout skills or experiences (e.g., founding a startup, excelling in case competitions, or pursuing relevant certifications like CFA or financial modeling courses).

Key Takeaway:

If you're in CAS Economics, you'll need to be more proactive in networking and skill-building to compete with Stern students. Consider joining finance or consulting clubs, attending networking events, and leveraging NYU's location in NYC to secure internships early. While Stern offers a more direct path, CAS students with determination and strategy can still achieve success in finance and MBB.

Sources: The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Undergrad: NYU Stern vs. Cornell A&S Econ, Cornell CAS (Econ) Vs Fordham GBHP vs NYU Stern For Breaking Into IB, Is NYU Stern(undergrad) considered a target for MBB?