Appropriate Majors

Are there specific majors that could give someone the best tools to break into IBD, PE, and/or HF careers? I personally am planning on majoring in Econ and Poly Sci; any and all advice is helpful thanks.

8 Comments
 

I would avoid the lib arts degree unless you're at a target. It's generally the b-school at non-targets/semi-targets that feeds a few kids into banking.

 
IvySachs

on that note, what's your school's ranking?

I'm not sure of their ranking, it's Brown University if that gives you a better idea.

 
IvyLT68 IvySachs:

on that note, what's your school's ranking?

I'm not sure of their ranking, it's Brown University if that gives you a better idea.

You will be completely fine as an econ/gov major at Brown.

(If I were at Brown, I'd probably major in Egyptology.)

 
Best Response

In that case Econ/Math/any hard science would be the way to go. Certain on-campus organizations such as business frats or investment clubs have strong ties to recruiters, do some research and look into joining these.

Just to give you a quick explanation on how HF/PE thing works. You need to have worked in IB before applying to these or have had at least an IB internship at a top shop.

To get a full time offer for IB you need to have done their summer analyst program your junior year.

In orded to get the Summer Analyst offer you need to get an internship as soon as possible. The internship needs to be relevant (PWM/ Asset Management/ Equity Research). Since your going to be a freshmen I suggest you start with something like PWM over the summer. Sophomore year you can try getting a boutique IB and finally SA at a Bulge Bracket Bank.

It's good that your starting out early, feel free to msg if you have any questions.

 

Velit aliquid qui voluptates molestiae commodi qui distinctio. Nisi repudiandae inventore aliquid architecto enim dolores dolores. Vero aliquid officiis nihil reprehenderit quos ut sed.

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%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 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 (80) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”