High School Senior in Kansas City, Considering IB/PE In Europe
As the title reads, I am a high school senior who has applied to a lot of targets already for college. I applied ED to NYU, and if I don't get in, I will apply ED 2 to UChicago, as I have a spot on the baseball team there and like the school.
That said, I am considering pursing a career in Investment Banking not only in America, but also Europe, as I come from a family that has a lot of connections overseas. I have tried to discern Poland's IB scene, but I could not find relatively anything that is as strong as American IB as far as pay. That's why I am looking more so at London primarily, and then Dubai, Frankfurt, Milan, and Switzerland.
In short, how should I go about exploring these options of working in IB overseas? Is there anyone in this forum that has went to a target school and then got a role in Europe? If so, please provide me how you went about doing so.
Thanks.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can explore your options for working in IB overseas:
Target Schools Matter: For Europe, attending a top-tier university is crucial. London-based IB roles heavily recruit from schools like LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial. For other European cities like Frankfurt, Milan, or Zurich, top local schools (e.g., Bocconi in Italy, HSG in Switzerland) and European Masters programs are highly regarded. If you're set on UChicago or NYU, leverage their global alumni networks and study abroad programs.
Internships Abroad: Start planning early for internships in Europe. Many students from U.S. schools secure summer internships in London or other European cities through their school's career services or by networking with alumni working abroad. Programs like NYU's global campuses or UChicago's international exchange programs can also help.
Language Skills: For cities like Frankfurt, Milan, or Zurich, fluency in the local language (German, Italian, or French) can be a significant advantage. London and Dubai are more English-friendly, but language skills can still set you apart.
Networking: Use your family connections overseas to build relationships with professionals in the European IB scene. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni from your future college, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
Recruitment Process: European IB recruitment often involves online assessments (math, verbal reasoning, logic) and structured interviews. Familiarize yourself with these processes early. For London, off-cycle internships and placement years are also common entry points.
Consider Regional Differences: Pay and work culture in Europe can differ from the U.S. London offers the closest experience to NYC in terms of intensity and compensation. Other cities like Frankfurt or Milan may have slightly lower pay but offer a better work-life balance.
Long-Term Strategy: If you aim to work in Europe, consider pursuing a Master's degree at a European target school after your undergraduate studies. This can significantly boost your chances of breaking into the European IB market.
If you're serious about exploring IB in Europe, focus on building a strong academic foundation, gaining relevant experience, and leveraging your connections. London is a great starting point, but don't overlook other financial hubs like Frankfurt or Zurich, especially if you have language skills or specific ties to those regions.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, Investment Banking in the UK - An Overview, Working Abroad in Investment Banking, Internships in NYC and Singapore from the UK, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions
Why did you ED to NYU first? UChicago is better and more prestigious (and it isn't Stern)
I have baseball offers to both schools, and I like NYU more overall. Don’t really like UC.
NOT THIS AGAIN. Shouldn't you be reading the great gatsby or something. Jesus go touch grass
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