How to Get into IB in NYC as a Belgian Green Card Holder

Hi All,

As a first post, I would like to share my experience and aspirations.

I am moving this month from Belgium to NYC, as I recently got a Green Card. My professional experience is mainly in operational and corporate finance (focused on FP&A) in Dubai where I stayed 3-4 years. I graduated magna cum laude with a Master in Finance from a top business school in Belgium. I'm also a CFA level III candidate. My goal is to get into IB, with NYC being my preferred location. I studied corporate finance (especially M&A) in detail, so I have a strong theoretical knowledge but obviously very little practice.

Any advice on how to improve my chances to get into IB, especially in NYC? It's a great challenge but I'm ready to face it.

Thanks for your help!

31 Comments
 

This is a great market for hiring. I think your least path of resistance is applying to a European bank. European banks will understand your culture and probably know your school. Think Soc Gen, BNP, Natixis, Credit Agricole, etc. I would go on LinkedIn and try to find people from Belgium who are working at those banks in NYC. Maybe try reaching out to someone in Europe to ask about the industry, and then ask if they know someone in US who would be willing to speak with you.

Additionally, try rating agencies. They are bleeding talent, and after a year you should have no problems moving into IB.

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%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 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 (79) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”