Israel to UK

I'm an Israeli majoring in math (freshman) with a minor in finance at HUJI and I want to get into quant/IB. I know the IB scene in Tel Aviv is pretty small and there are a few major banks with small teams. If I am aiming for a position at a BB in London in the distant future would it be realistic to get into a branch of a major bank (say Barclays) in TLV and then transferring later on to the UK? what work experience would be needed for a guy like me to get into IB in the first place and what should I be focusing on at this point in my career? any help would be much appreciated

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your plan to start in Tel Aviv and transfer to London is realistic but requires strategic planning. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Tel Aviv IB Scene: The IB market in Tel Aviv is indeed small, with major banks like Barclays, Evercore, and JPM having small offices. Analysts in these offices are typically thrown into deals quickly due to the lean teams, which can provide excellent exposure to M&A, ECM, and DCM deals. This experience can be valuable when aiming for a transfer to London.

  2. Work Experience Needed: To break into IB in Tel Aviv, focus on:

    • Academic Excellence: HUJI is a recognized feeder school, but you’ll need top grades (Summa Cum Laude level) as there’s no grade inflation.
    • Relevant Internships: Seek internships in finance-related roles, such as equity research (Oppenheimer has a presence in Tel Aviv) or VC, which is more common in Israel.
    • Networking: Build connections with professionals in the Tel Aviv offices of BBs. Networking is crucial for securing internships and full-time roles.
  3. Military Service: If applicable, leverage your military background, especially if you served in elite SIGINT, technology units, or special forces. This is often seen as a substitute for pedigree in Israel and can set you apart.

  4. Transfer to London:

    • Timing: After gaining 2-3 years of experience in Tel Aviv, you can position yourself for a transfer. Highlight your deal experience and exposure to the tech ecosystem, which is highly relevant globally.
    • Networking with London Teams: Since Tel Aviv deal teams often collaborate with NYC/London teams, use this opportunity to build relationships with London-based bankers.
  5. Focus Areas Now:

    • Technical Skills: As a math major, you already have a strong quantitative foundation. Complement this with financial modeling skills and a deep understanding of valuation techniques.
    • Finance Knowledge: Your minor in finance is a good start. Consider additional certifications like CFA Level 1 or online courses in financial modeling to strengthen your profile.
    • Extracurriculars: Join finance clubs or competitions to demonstrate leadership and interest in the field.

By excelling academically, gaining relevant experience, and strategically networking, you can position yourself for a role in Tel Aviv and eventually transfer to London.

Sources: Banking in Israel, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Intro to Investment Banking, Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, How to make it into Investment Banking, the South African perspective

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

Get the highest GPA you can (so you look smart on resume + will help with grad school)

Try to get relevant internships in undergrad. Big 4 is a good option or banks.

Apply to MFin in UK after undergrad (make sure to get in a target one)

I don’t know about immigration stuff

For transfers just look up people in London who went to Israeli universities. I am sure there will be some international transfers.

You can work a bit in TLV and do a masters later as well. I would say if you get Barclays you should stay in Israel and work for 1-2 years at least as jobs are really precious now since economy is so bad. You can get a masters later.

 

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