IB at Washu vs IB at Northeastern vs IB at Fordham vs IB at Penn State

Ah, you've got quite the selection of schools there, and congrats on getting in! Let's break down the opportunities based on the most helpful WSO content:

• Northeastern University: Known for its co-op program, which can provide up to 18 months of real-world experience before you graduate. This is a huge plus for breaking into investment banking (IB), as firms like Morgan Stanley are within reach for co-op roles. Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business has a strong reputation, and students have landed roles at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and various VC firms. Being in Boston, it's well-positioned for opportunities in the city and has a growing presence in NYC.

• Fordham University: Located in New York City, Fordham has the geographical advantage for networking and internships in NYC. The Gabelli School of Business has a solid reputation, and the alumni network in finance is quite strong. Proximity to Wall Street can be a significant advantage.

• Penn State: While not located in a major financial hub, Penn State has a large and loyal alumni network, which can be a powerful asset in job hunting. The school has a good reputation and places students in various financial institutions, including those in NYC and Chicago.

• Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): Although not directly mentioned in the context, WashU has a strong overall academic reputation and offers good opportunities in finance. However, it's not as closely associated with IB as some coastal schools, and the location might not be as conducive to landing a job in NYC or Boston compared to Northeastern or Fordham.

For NYC or Boston, Northeastern and Fordham seem like strong contenders due to their locations and connections. However, don't underestimate the power of a strong alumni network like Penn State's. Each school has its unique strengths, so consider where you'd like to be geographically and which program's structure aligns best with your learning style and career goals. Swing by the WSO forums for more detailed discussions on each school's placement into IB roles. Good luck with your decision!

Sources: Northeastern vs BU vs Fordham vs IU, Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Best Investment Banking schools in the Northeast, Penn State Reputation

Ah, the classic conundrum of choosing the right school for investment banking (IB)! Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown that might help you swing from the vines of indecision to the solid ground of choice:

• Northeastern University: The co-op system at Northeastern is a unique feature that allows students to gain significant real-world experience, which can be a huge advantage. Landing a 4-6 month role at a firm like Morgan Stanley can certainly boost your resume. The D'Amore-McKim School of Business has a strong reputation, and as you've noted, students have gone on to work at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and various VC firms. Being in Boston, you'd be well-placed for opportunities in the city, and the strong co-op network might also facilitate opportunities in NYC.

• Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): Not directly mentioned in the context, but generally, WashU has a strong academic reputation and offers good opportunities for IB. However, it's not typically highlighted as a target school in the same way some Northeast schools are. St. Louis is also not a traditional IB hub like NYC, Boston, or Chicago.

• Fordham University: Located in New York, Fordham has the geographical advantage for breaking into NYC's IB scene. It has a solid alumni network, which is crucial for networking and job opportunities in investment banking.

• Penn State: While not traditionally considered a core target school for IB, Penn State has a large and dedicated alumni network that can be leveraged for opportunities in investment banking. It's also worth noting that the school has a presence in IB recruiting, as seen in various WSO discussions.

When weighing your options, consider the following: - Location: Proximity to financial hubs can be beneficial for networking and recruitment. - Alumni Network: A strong and active network can open doors in the competitive world of IB. - On-Campus Recruiting: Target schools often have more banks coming to campus, which can increase your chances of landing a role. - Internship Opportunities: Schools with structured programs for internships or co-ops can provide valuable experience.

Remember, each school has its own strengths, and ultimately, your personal fit and career goals should guide your decision. Swing high, future banker!

Sources: Northeastern vs BU vs Fordham vs IU, Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Best Investment Banking schools in the Northeast, Penn State Reputation