freshie

so im 16 from india i want to enter IB through legal but im weak at math..what will be the best course of action for me 1): go abroad for my undergrad and get a ba llb or dual degree with llb or 2): complete undergrad in india and then go abroad for masters...im not getting enough clarity and confidence and other sources arent helping much.

9 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your options and advice tailored to your situation:

1. Option 1: Go Abroad for Undergrad (BA LLB or Dual Degree with LLB)

  • Pros:
    • Studying abroad for undergrad can give you exposure to international legal systems and networking opportunities, which are crucial for breaking into Investment Banking (IB) through a legal route.
    • If you target schools in the US, UK, or other top destinations, you’ll have access to strong alumni networks and internship opportunities in finance and law.
    • A dual degree (e.g., BA + LLB) can provide a broader skill set, which is valuable for IB roles that require both legal and business acumen.
  • Cons:
    • The cost of studying abroad for undergrad is significantly higher, and you’ll need to weigh the return on investment (ROI).
    • Transitioning into IB from a legal background abroad might still require additional qualifications (e.g., an MBA or specialized finance certifications).

2. Option 2: Complete Undergrad in India, Then Pursue a Master’s Abroad

  • Pros:
    • Completing your undergrad in India (e.g., BA LLB from a top law school like NLSIU, NALSAR, or NUJS) is more cost-effective.
    • After gaining a strong foundation in law, you can pursue a master’s degree abroad (e.g., LLM, MBA, or a finance-related master’s) to pivot into IB.
    • This route allows you to build a solid academic and professional base in India before leveraging international education for global opportunities.
  • Cons:
    • You’ll need to ensure that your undergrad institution in India is well-regarded internationally to maximize your chances of admission to top master’s programs.
    • The transition to IB might take longer, as you’ll need to build your profile over time.

Key Considerations:

  • Math Weakness: Since you’re weak at math, focus on building strong analytical, logical, and communication skills. These are critical for both law and IB. You can also work on improving your quantitative skills gradually, as they’ll be necessary for IB roles.
  • Networking: Regardless of the path you choose, networking is essential. Start building connections early, whether through internships, alumni networks, or online platforms like LinkedIn.
  • Long-Term Goals: If your ultimate goal is IB, consider whether you’re open to pursuing an MBA or finance-related master’s degree after gaining some work experience. This can help bridge the gap between law and IB.

Recommendation:

If cost and ROI are major concerns, Option 2 (undergrad in India + master’s abroad) is a safer and more practical choice. Focus on excelling at a top Indian law school, gaining relevant internships, and building a strong profile for a master’s program abroad. If you have the financial resources and are confident in your ability to adapt to an international environment, Option 1 could provide a faster track to global opportunities.

Let me know if you’d like more specific advice on schools, programs, or career strategies!

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

If you plan to stay in India for work, you should probably to undergrad in India. I'm guessing it's cheaper. Otherwise, I'd consider going abroad just to get exposure to western culture so you can fit in better if you're going to work in a western country. Take my words with a pinch of salt since I'm also still in high school lol.

 

Who said IB was about math?

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

Who said IB was about math? 

are you suggesting I can count on a six-figure bonus even if I can't count past derivatives?

 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Prospect in IB-M&A:

weak at math? so what, grind it out and get better. most of the math you'll be doing in IB isn't far beyond basic arithmetic. why do you want to join IB in the first place?



in any case, as a first step you need to get into a target school - in India that would be IIM. or go abroad, you can find an extensive list of target schools on wso itself.



also very unrealistic for you to break into switzerland as you mentioned above - i doubt german, french or italian are commonly spoken languages in India. the US is possible by getting into a target school in the US, but there is a visa hurdle.


What UG degrees and extracurriculars would you suggest such as certifications/fellowship?

 

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