College advice needed
Hello, everyone, I'm a junior in high school and will be applying to colleges this year. I want to major in industrial engineering but hope to get into IB after my undergraduate studies. I don't have the world's greatest application stats, so I'm not sure if I can get into Ivies or schools in that range. Where should I apply if I want a school that gives me a good program for industrial engineering and gives me a good chance at IB?
If you want a good chance at IB then why not major in finance/econ?
Definitely should be majoring in Econ/Finance/Accounting.
Hey there, future financier! Let's swing from the trees of wisdom and grab some ripe advice for your college journey. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you should consider:
Target Schools: You're on the right track thinking about schools that are known for placing students into investment banking roles. While Ivies are known for their strong placement, don't overlook other target schools where industrial engineering is strong, like Cal, Umich, or Northwestern. These schools have solid engineering programs and are well-respected in the IB world.
Semi-Targets and Beyond: If you're concerned about your stats not being Ivy-level, consider semi-target schools or even strong state schools with reputable programs. Schools like Kelley have been mentioned in the WSO forums as having good placement into IB roles.
Extracurriculars and Networking: Regardless of where you end up, make the most of it by getting involved in relevant extracurriculars, such as finance clubs or case competitions. Networking is key in the IB world, so start building those connections early.
Internships and Experience: Aim to secure internships that can give you a taste of the finance world. This experience can be a golden banana when it comes to full-time recruiting.
Academic Performance: Keep your GPA as high as possible. A strong academic record in a demanding major like industrial engineering can be impressive to recruiters.
Remember, it's not just where you go, but what you do while you're there. Swing high, study hard, and network like a pro, and you'll be well on your way to the concrete jungle of Wall Street. Good luck!
Sources: International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, Target schools for IB, Indiana University (Kelley) vs University of Iowa (Tippie), Need help picking a college major, Where Should I Apply?
I agree with the above posters telling you to study finance or economics- the career offices of those departments/schools will help you much more than the engineering will for getting into IB. Of course, networking and getting your name out there is more important, but some schools have exclusive recruiting services/events for students in each college. Furthermore, engineering is a much more difficult major than finance or economics. My brothers went to a T10 engineering school and finished with 3.3s. I go to a T5 business school and have a 3.96. I'm certain I have not worked as hard as they did.
Honestly I would just apply to schools that have strong business schools/placement into banking that have an IE program. Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Wisconsin probably your best bets if you don't think you can get into the top privates. That being said, getting in out of state to some of these schools can be extremely difficult too.
Look at target school stats, check if they have an IE program, and add it to your list.
Something else worth consideration is doing IE at the best school you possibly can and then enrolling in an MSF program at the likes of MIT, Vandy, Texas etc.
Thank you for the advice, I'm thinking of going the MSF route.
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