How to Break In? (Already Graduated)

Military background 

Finance BBA (good GPA)

Private school with good networks in IB but not Target or Semi-T (from what I know)

Currently at a BB but not in a finance role 

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How do I break into IB without an MBA from Rice/Harvard/Wharton?

currently studying the 400 Qs and teaching myself to model

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Lay it on me, happy to give years of my life to this process

4 Comments
 

I'm looking to break in as well but I would say you're in a good spot tbh. Military background definitely helps and target schools don't even matter if you're willing to put in the work. You just have to work harder than the target school kids. I would focus on networking with guys working in IBD. Be the best at your job. If that doesn't work you the MBA is your best even though you said you want to break in without it. 

 

Thank you, I’ve networked into the RIB at my firm and they want to give me a shot (just have to pass the technicals.) problem is next years analyst class in NYC is already full from interns.

If I can’t get into IB in the next 2 years, I’m debating Corporate Banking bc they roll into IB pretty regularly at my firm, it’s the long game but an option, as an MBA associate we’d make way more in the same amount of time. But I’ve heard high Finance recruiting doesn’t happen at that level so career trajectory is skewed.

 

Thank you for serving first and foremost.

Back to your question, I know there is an IB firm that hires vets and I believed is 100% vets actually, there called Drexel Hamilton. I'd try to talk to some people from there. Not sure if there are any other IB firms founded on this principal but definitely worth looking into. I'd try to work at one of those and then if you'd like you can move over to a bigger bank or stay. Once you are in the IB door you can change places thats the hardest barrier.

Try to network with others in IB from the army too.

MBA would be ideal though ngl but I don't blame you for not wanting one.

 

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