How to Get Into UCLA Finance Clubs

Hello, I'm going to be attending UCLA in the fall and want to pursue a career in IB. From what I've heard, it's extremely difficult to break into IB without being in one of the on campus finance clubs (BAM, BVI, etc.). I've also heard that these clubs have really low acceptance rates and the competition to get into them is pretty fierce. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to increase my odds for getting into one of these clubs. If anyone who went through the process could share what the clubs look for in applicants as well as some tips and helpful resources that'd be great, thanks.

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Finance clubs and workshop can be helpful but they're not that important. I am in one of the clubs but me and my friends in clubs/workshop got our offers independently of them. UCLA's presence at large banks isn't great but it's improving every year, so you have that small alumni network to pull on. Unfortunately our largest presence was at CS LOL. You'll just have to do what everyone else does on this forum and network a ton. 

For the clubs just find the M&I guides and memorize the basic technical questions and make sure you convey that you are passionate about pursuing IB and have an answer to "why IB"

 

Thanks for the comment, that's a relief because some other discussions made it seem like you had no chance in ib if you didn't get into one of the clubs haha. I'll be sure those things in my when applying, thanks again.

 

also in one of the clubs you mentioned and would reiterate that you don't technically "need" the clubs, but they do go a long way in terms of prep. feel free to dm 

 

try your best but they truly don’t matter. “prestigious” school clubs provide utility by bridging the information gap between you and the other competitive prospects at better schools. if you were to study the M&I 400, send an above-average amount of cold emails from day 1 of freshman year, and hone in your behaviorals through online resources, your chances at landing a great gig are the exact same as the kids in those clubs. don’t get caught up in the marketing - if you are truly a good fit for one of those orgs, you’ll get in!

 

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