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Most Helpful

Really depends on the school - generally speaking, if your school offers a finance major you should be in that major

At UPenn for example, you will have the ivy brand even if you're not Wharton, you'll be fine. vs somewhere like Ross the "target" is really the business school and not the entire school and you're putting yourself at a disadvantage not being in that school.

If you can't control it / can't transfer internally it is what it is, but I would not be a non-finance major if you have any choice

 

You're probably fine, especially if you're in SFS or can otherwise articulate a good enough reason for why you're not picking up shifts at McD

 

Choosing a non-finance major like classics and political economics at a target school can still be very beneficial for breaking into investment banking or management consulting. Here’s why:

  1. Brand Value of School: Being at a target school provides significant advantages due to the school's strong reputation and established recruitment pipelines with top firms. Recruiters actively seek candidates from these institutions, knowing they maintain high academic standards.

  2. Networking Opportunities: Target schools often have extensive alumni networks and career support services that can help you connect with industry professionals. These connections are crucial for securing internships and job offers.

  3. Transferable Skills: Majors like classics and political economics develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of economic and political contexts, which are highly valued in consulting and banking.

  4. Flexibility in Course Selection: If you're concerned about relevant skills, you could potentially take elective courses in finance or related subjects to strengthen your profile.

  5. Recruiter Perception: Recruiters at top firms often value diversity in thought and academic background. A non-traditional major can help you stand out, provided you can demonstrate the relevance of your skills to the role you are applying for.

In summary, while not being a finance major may require additional steps to demonstrate your interest and capability in finance, the prestige and resources of a target school can significantly mitigate these challenges.

Sources: What should I major in to get into investment banking from a non-target school?, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Target vs. Non-Target, Target vs. Non-Target, Is investment banking not as prestigious as most people think? Are kids that break in sub-par?

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

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