Is UW-Madison a good school for IB??
I have heard a lot about UW-Madison's business program, but specifically for someone looking to go into IB is it really a good school? I see their real estate program is really good, so is that all that is carrying their business schools rep?
UW-Madison can be a solid choice for someone looking to break into investment banking (IB), but there are some nuances to consider. Based on the most helpful WSO content:
Placement into IB: UW-Madison places well into Chicago and has some top students making it to NYC. The alumni network is strong and supportive, which can be a significant advantage for networking and breaking into IB roles.
Investment Banking Club: Participating in the Investment Banking Club at UW-Madison is highly recommended. It provides opportunities to travel to New York and Chicago for networking trips, which can be crucial for securing internships and full-time offers.
Reputation Beyond Real Estate: While UW-Madison's real estate program is exceptional and highly regarded, the business school as a whole has a respectable reputation. The school's alumni network and resources extend beyond real estate, supporting students in various finance-related fields, including IB.
Geographic Considerations: If your goal is to work in Chicago or the Midwest, UW-Madison is particularly strong. However, for NYC placements, while possible, it may require more effort compared to schools with a more direct pipeline to Wall Street.
In summary, UW-Madison is a good school for IB, especially if you're targeting Chicago or the Midwest. Leveraging the Investment Banking Club and the alumni network will be key to maximizing your chances. While the real estate program is a standout, the business school offers broader opportunities for finance careers, including IB.
Sources: The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, UW Madison - MSRE, UW Madison or UF
getting into IB is definitely doable at Wisconsin. while it’s not a target, it has a strong wall street presence and alumni who are super involved.
that being said, it’s super competitive on campus. everyone is aware there is a limited amount of seats at IB firms for wisconsin kids, whilst finance it by far the most popular major. if you intend on recruiting for IB here, I’d suggest having a game plan for getting into b school clubs which includes networking with club members and getting a high GPA from the start.
if you don’t get into those clubs, it is still very possible. it will just require a lot of research and initiative as you will have to begin building your own network. but there are tons of people who have been able to do it.
do you think Indiana University Kelley would be a better choice?
tbh i think wisco is better. indiana kelly’s IB placements are mostly due to the IBW program, which is great for those who get in, but idt it reflects the quality that the majority of finance kids access at indiana. wisco’s placements are also partially impacted by clubs but it definitely extends to a good amount of students not involved in them. wiscos also an objectively better school academically, if you choose to pursue something outside of IB.
My personal opinion—both are basically non-targets/low semi-targets, so why not just go for IU and see if you can get IBW? If you can't just grind for one year and transfer to a real semi-target/target. Just my opinion and how I would go about doing things. If you don't want to transfer, however, UW is going to be a better option for the average student, in my opinion.
short answer no
Why is that? I have heard their business school as good reputation and places decent in midwest firms?
It has a good business school, but IB is a whole different story. Especially nowadays, literally every kid wants to do IB. Doesn't matter if they go to H/W or your local state school. Literally, and I mean every kid wants to do IB, so at this point, if you wish to go to BB/EB, the target school is the minimum, and even there, you really need to excel. I wouldn't say it's a complete non-target—I'll give it a lower semi-target status. I mean, sure, it probably places decently into the Midwest, considering it's a semi-selective school and has a decent B school, but if you want BB/EB, it's definitely more of a crapshoot. Depends on what you value, really. Are you looking for the best bank possible and to maximize prestige/exit opportunities? Or do you not GAF and you're fine with placing in a regional boutique or MM?
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