Transferring Networking Cons?
Everyone keeps saying that if the best school you get into is a big public like UGA/TAMU or a mid private like Northeastern/Fordham, its best to transfer out by the end of freshman year. However, the next line that people say is "oh by transferring you've just lost a full year of networking and finance club opportunities..." Therefore, I had a few questions:
1. Since I'd be a year behind, would this be a major disadvantage (almost as if I were a junior transfer lol) even if I hit the ground running, or do most target school IB gunners wait till the beginning of soph yr to grind finance anyway?
2. Is it best to grind finance preemptively at my nontarget or focus on high-ass GPA for now?
3. Should I bother networking at my nontarget, or would the nontarget network expire the moment I matriculate into a target?
4. If I transfer to, say, Cornell, am I expected to be in AEM finance concentration or does the same any major option apply to transfer students too?
Thanks!
Ah, the classic transfer conundrum! Let's peel this banana and take a look:
Starting a Year Behind: It's true, transferring can set you back in terms of networking and club involvement. But don't let that scare you! Many target school students don't start their finance grind until sophomore year, so you wouldn't be alone. If you're proactive and make the most of your time once you transfer, you can catch up. It's all about how effectively you can swing from vine to vine in the networking jungle.
Focus at Non-Target School: At your current school, it's a balancing act. A high GPA is crucial for transferring to a target school, so that should be a priority. However, don't neglect finance-related activities and clubs. They can be valuable learning experiences and can add some shine to your resume. Plus, they show your commitment to the field, which can be a golden banana when applying to transfer.
Networking at Non-Target: Absolutely, you should network wherever you are! Relationships you build can offer unexpected opportunities and guidance, even after you transfer. The network might not be as directly relevant if you move to a target school, but the skills you gain from networking are transferable. Plus, you never know when an alum from your non-target might pop up in a high place!
Major at Cornell: If you transfer to Cornell, you're not necessarily expected to be in the AEM finance concentration, but it could be beneficial if that's your area of interest. Target schools often value diverse academic backgrounds, so your major isn't always a make-or-break factor. It's more about how you leverage your academic experiences in finance-related recruiting.
Remember, it's not just about where you are, but how you use your resources. Keep swinging, future finance guru!
Sources: An Open Letter to High School Seniors, Graduating early - worth it or not?, Are transfers really screwed?, Worth transferring? (OSU to UMich), Should I transfer from my T20 semi-target to a stronger target?
As a student at a non/semi-target who faced the same dilemma:
From a recruiting standpoint, it depends on the school you're at right now. If there is a finance/IB organization and a handful of alumni in the industry, you have a good shot at placing. It will take more time, networking, and dedication than if you were at a target school, but it is 100% plausible. If not, then look at the transfer portal more closely.
From a life standpoint, examine your happiness where you are right now. Would you miss your friends? Your involvements? At the end of the day, choose where you will be more fulfilled after weighing all aspects of your college life. Just because you mentioned it in your fourth question, I have friends at Cornell (great school) who say it is the most depressing college in the world (statistics back that up, lol.)
Your question 2: Find a balance. Try to come into recruiting with a 3.8+, ideally above a 3.9 for a non-target student. That is a concrete unspoken prerequisite for all students hellbent on IB. However, as much as you can, simultaneously prepare for the industry. Read WSJ every day (one macro, one M&A article), study the 400 guide, and hone your interview skills.
Your question 3: You already know this hangs in the balance of your eventual decision. It depends on each person you've networked with-- some people won't be thrilled, but I bet some/most would still give you the time of day if you fostered a good relationship. Sounds like you are aware of an alumni network at your current school, see my point above.
Good luck!
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