Self Teaching

Hello Everyone. I am currently studying Economics and mathematics as a sophomore. Looking to get into Investment Banking, or Equity Research. As an economics major I am learning some useful abstract things. But it is separate from the business school at my University and so I am part of some of the clubs there. I was able to get into the Student Managed Fund and Finance Society. I’m gaining a clear picture of what I need to learn, and have done an alright job so far, I got picked for the fund over some actual finance majors. But I have only done so by self teaching. My question is, is self teaching valuable in this industry? I don’t go to an elite University, I go to Rutgers University-Newark Campus. I feel like I am behind even as a sophomore. Some of my peers already have had internships at various firms. Where are good places to look for an internship for a spring chicken (but quick learner) like myself?

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No. Some will tell you otherwise, but heed not the words of those fools. For they are heathens - trapped in a world of papercuts and business loans. A man will be taught all he must in the classroom under the tutelage of wise mentors. From there, he will be guided by our dear corporate overlords to a blissful existence where you will spend 45 years commuting between a cubicle and your mother's house.

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Best Response

Good evening :)

I think you will face an up hill battle regardless, but I think a combination of self teaching yourself through the available sources (e.g., WSP/BIWS/Macabacus), participating in your school's student run investment fund (if applicable), and networking will allow you to be successful in getting into the industry in either equity research or IB.

It might be a bit difficult for you to gun for top MM/BB positions from where you currently are, but I would start by targeting local/regional boutique shops in your area or in NYC (whether paid or unpaid) for your sophomore summer. It will be a bit of a hit in the wallet if you aren't able to procure a paid position, but it will pay dividends for you one year from today if your networking and study efforts lead you to a robust network of contacts, an internship at a bank, and stronger modeling skills relative to your peers.

Hope this helps :)

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