Choosing between schools
Hi all,
I need some help choosing between schools. Ideally, in the future, I would like to enter a role in high finance - IB, HF, trading etc.
I was accepted into UCLA to study business economics and Western Ivey in Canada to study business.
I am a Canadian citizen, but not a US citizen. I understand that this will make it harder for me to gain internships in the USA; Canada will be significantly easier.
Western Ivey is the most dominant figure in Canada and a semi-target in the USA in finance.
From prestige, UCLA seems like the obvious choice, but the following post scares me: Look up "Back to make fun of UCLA, the worst top college there is | Wall Street Oasis". This seems to be similar across many posts. However, these posts were from four years ago, so I don't know how UCLA may differ in terms of finance recruiting now.
Considering all of the above (I's sorry for including so many factors), which is the better choice? And how is UCLA in terms of recruiting now?
Thanks
Go to Canada, work for a bit and then get a H/S/W MBA and work in a major city in US.
Thank you so much for the opinion. May I ask why you suggest I go to Canada?
From my personal experience and opinion, going to UCLA will not be beneficial in terms of having the highest chances at succeeding in investment banking at the buldge bracket level, however you can go to TOP Canadian banks, have a successful career, and show that you can be a capable banker when you either transition to a different industry or go for MBA. You can also get a top MBA in europe with a WI undergrad. Since you are not a US citizen, it will be even harder to get used to UCLA culture (I've been there for a couple weeks) and get around (talking to people, etc).
del
Thanks for the response.
Do you think that if I go to UCLA a TN visa (instead of the others internationals use) will make firms more willing to look into hiring me?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to help you decide between UCLA and Western Ivey:
UCLA:
Western Ivey:
Considerations:
Conclusion:
Considering your citizenship and the ease of gaining internships, Western Ivey might be the better choice for you. However, if you are determined to work in the USA and can navigate the visa challenges, UCLA could also be a viable option.
Sources: UCLA, CAL or UW, Kellogg vs. Anderson (w/ $) vs. Ross (w/ $), Canadian vs USA vs International unis, Berkeley or UCLA?, Back to make fun of UCLA, the worst top college there is
UCLA places well enough. See below:
https://www.uclaubsbruins.com/investment-banking-events
https://www.bruinvalueinvesting.org/careers
https://www.bruinam.com/careerplacements
I looked over the links and UCLA seems to place well both in LA and NYC.
However, do you think that that the fact that I require a TN visa will hamper my chances of getting an internship at one of these MM or BB firms?
TN visas seem to be in a grey zone in terms of whether a IB intern role can aquire it.
You'll need to apply for sponsorship under STEM OPT just like other international students. It's definitely possible, I know people who've done it in the past. However, it's certainly not guaranteed and does make it more difficult. If you're serious, join appropriate clubs your freshman year, and put in genuine effort sophomore year—you'll get something.
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