How Do I Get Into IB From A Non-Target?

I am new to this forum and I don't really know much about finance or the industry at all, but I know this is something I want to do. Considering how non-target schools are less competitive, I would like to know what I can do in terms of networking or anything outside of a university to increase my chances of getting into the industry.

I live in New York City which could be an advantage for me but I don't really know since I don't have much knowledge about finance in general. Any advice would be highly appreciated. 

12 Comments
 

Spend most of your time networking with analysts and associates at banks you want to work for. Utilize LinkedIn to find relevant people with relevant titles - reaching out via email is your best bet to reach them (there are websites that provide email address formats for each bank). In your email propose having a call to learn more about them and the bank. Don't immediately ask these people for jobs, try and get them to talk about themselves (i.e. what they do on the day to day, what they like about banking, etc.)

Be sure to track your interactions in Excel that way you remember names, you're not spamming people, etc. If the conversation goes well ask if they are able to refer you for a position that is avaialble on their job portal. 

 

Trick question lol: you don't (unless you're a certain underrepresented minority)

 

I’m in Canada and really want to get into IB but Ik that I won’t make it to Ivy League since of my location and my ecs is there a job that pays the same or something I can do pls help 

 
Most Helpful

Natus occaecati architecto magni quo. Molestiae similique ut eius non sed eligendi. Minima voluptatem animi aspernatur quasi deleniti iusto eius. Consequatur sit et molestiae illum dolore rem impedit. Quo quia repellat neque quis numquam veniam. Enim saepe reprehenderit ea ratione est animi odio. Est eum asperiores dignissimos accusantium fuga.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 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

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”