It's no secret that nepotism is alive and well. Honestly, I can't blame people. It is easier to hire people (or children of people) that you already know and trust. I went to a target university (Canadian target) and had no idea what investment banking, consulting, S&T, etc. really was until my first internship during my second year. I had no family members that worked in the industry and I didn't go to private school which I felt left me at a real disadvantage from the students that had been groomed for years.
So my question is this: Students who don't have family in the industry, or went to a non-target school, what has helped you the most to learn about and break into the industry? What do you think could be done to level the playing field?
Personally, I wish there would have been more opportunity for me to learn about these career paths in high school. Whether that be through career counsellors, speakers at the school, etc. Online forums like this one were all I had and definitely saved my a**.
There is no clear cut path to many finance jobs the way there is to become a lawyer, doctor, nurse, etc. so in a lot of ways I think it remains an "elite club". Prestigious schools have an extremely high proportion of students from private schools which usually have much better career counselors. Most of these students also have family (or family friends) in the industry willing to help them out and come from wealthier families. As I begin my full time career, I'd like to find a way to help students who are in a similar position I was and am curious what helped move the needle for others.
