what are my chances

well for some context:

non diversity male

3.8 gpa

cs + finance w/ a minor in math

sophmore at a non target state school that is decent for cs on the east coast

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so this previous summer I had worked as an intern at a commercial bank in nyc. learned a some stuff but it was basically a resume padder and i got paid something for the summer so that was nice. this fall im doing a program with a well known mm firm within their AM arm (keep in mind this is not a normal internship, more so a program with a tiny lump sum payment at the end, but it does provide good networking opportunities and lot of learning oppurtunities!) and this summer im gonna be going to a huge tech company (think faang or faang adjacent) to do finance in some of their more tech related divisions. now given this, realistically what are my chances of breaking into investment banking in my situation. my plan as of now is to recruit for ib this winter/spring and if that doesnt pan out, I do have a solid company to fall back on and ill try to return back to them the following summer as a swe intern. 

i just wanted to hear yalls thoughts and appreciate yalls time!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

Current Profile:

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Major: Computer Science + Finance with a minor in Math
  • School: Non-target state school on the East Coast, decent for CS
  • Experience:
    • Internship at a commercial bank in NYC
    • Program with a well-known MM firm within their AM arm
    • Upcoming internship at a major tech company (FAANG or similar) in a finance role

Strengths:

  • Strong GPA: A 3.8 GPA is impressive and will help you stand out.
  • Relevant Experience: Internships in both finance and tech sectors, providing a diverse skill set.
  • Networking Opportunities: The program with the MM firm offers valuable networking opportunities.

Challenges:

  • Non-Target School: Breaking into IB from a non-target school can be challenging, but not impossible.
  • Lack of Direct IB Experience: While your internships are impressive, they are not directly related to investment banking.

Recommendations:

  1. Leverage Networking:

    • Continue to network aggressively. Use the connections from your MM program and upcoming tech internship.
    • Reach out to alumni from your school who are in IB.
  2. Prepare for IB Recruitment:

    • Focus on preparing for IB interviews. Learn financial modeling, valuation techniques, and other relevant skills.
    • Consider taking an IB bootcamp or online courses to strengthen your technical skills.
  3. Apply Broadly:

    • Apply to a wide range of firms, including regional boutiques, middle-market firms, and bulge bracket banks.
    • Be open to starting at a smaller firm and then lateral to a larger one.
  4. Highlight Your Unique Background:

    • Emphasize your strong analytical skills from your CS background and your understanding of finance.
    • Showcase how your diverse experience can bring a unique perspective to an IB role.

Backup Plan:

  • If IB recruitment does not pan out this winter/spring, returning to the tech company as a SWE intern is a solid backup plan. It keeps you in a strong position and allows you to continue building valuable skills and experience.

Conclusion:

Your chances of breaking into investment banking are realistic, especially if you leverage your strong GPA, diverse experience, and networking opportunities. Keep preparing and applying broadly, and you should be able to find a path into IB.

Good luck!

Sources: Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/do-i-stand-a-chance-in-investment-banking?customgpt=1, 2019 Investment Banking Full Time Recruiting - Do I Have a Chance?, Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, Accounting major, can't seem to break into IB

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

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