Incoming Lehigh Student- Reality for IB/PE?

I am currently a high school senior and going to Lehigh to play a sport. My goal is to break into IB, but also want to be realistic. I realize it is not a target school and maybe not even a semi-target, but close to that. I know they have an "okay" alumni network in NYC and the east coast, but was wondering what is realistic to shoot for in regards for career paths in finance. I am not sure how much it will play a factor but my dad has some decent connections, too. I am going to be in the business school and am deciding between a Finance and Accounting major. Consensus says Accounting because they can do things that Finance cannot. I play a sport, so time may be an issue, but should I still be looking to join many business/finance clubs.

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The reality is that you try hard enough, you can land at any bank you want to. It's not like Lehigh is some school no one has heard of. It won't be as easy as if you were at Princeton, but do all the things that anyone else would do to try to break into banking, and you'll break into banking. Also, banks love athletes, especially if you're playing a team sport. 

 

Literally never heard of that school but I used to spend a lot of time in Naples, FL, and I think there was a city or university nearby called Lehigh or something like that. 

 

Wow, second Lehigh thread I’ve seen on WSO recently. I’m a mid-career alumnus (graduated a little over a decade ago). The name will certainly not hold you back if you put in the work. Hit up alumni - most of us are either Greek or athletes so you have that in your favor. Attend the wallstreet council events. They didn’t have banking-focused clubs when I was there but do now, so join them.

Most importantly, have fun. That place is a fucking blast.

 

I'm a current student and most of my friends and myself have landed offers so definitely possible, wouldn't worry about it. Just have to grind 

 

Just do the traditional Finance & Accounting if you're able. Doesn't look like that many additional classes.

 

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