UIUC MSF to IB or Adjacent Role in Chicago
Hello everyone,
So I decided very late that I wanted to get into IB. I went to a very non-target undergrad and am now deciding to do an MSF at UIUC. I know I am a very non-traditional candidate but I do believe this is possible despite my current situation.
Anyways this is my situation. Non-target D2 undergrad with a double major in finance and accounting, very good projects on real world companies, the school investment club and stock pitch competition, M&A analysis of Pfizer and Seagen, CFA Level 1 candidate (I know it doesn't mean a whole lot but it is something), completed the CFA PSM on Financial Modeling, and almost finished with the FMVA. Really I am just doing anything to give myself somewhat of an edge. I haven't had any internships. I know that doesn't bode well for me. I messed around in my undergrad, didn't do the extracurriculars that matter, and also missed out on or did not get hired for some internships. Now attending the UIUC MSF in the fall. I already networked with a program alumni and Senior Analyst at Goldman. She isn't in IB but said she would provide me a referral. The whole reason I am doing the MSF is because I see that I have now messed up. I love it though I think the program is amazing, most professors have industry experience, and two are frequently invited to speak at CFA Society Chicago.
Now that I've told you my entire life story I just want your advice at how to break in. I've been networking a ton already through LinkedIn, but only to school alumni so far. It is not impossible for me to get to a BB or EB in Chicago as a lot of UIUC undergrads have landed there. I know it is going to be extremely difficult though. Just help me out here guys I want in to "high-finance" and I'm here for the grind.
Breaking into investment banking (IB) or a related high-finance role from a non-target background is challenging but absolutely possible with the right strategy. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a roadmap tailored to your situation:
1. Leverage the UIUC MSF Program
2. Address the Lack of Internships
3. Refine Your Networking Strategy
4. Prepare for Technical and Behavioral Interviews
5. Target the Right Firms
6. Certifications and Skills
7. Stay Resilient
Breaking into IB from a non-target background requires grit. Rejections are part of the process, but every networking call, application, and interview gets you closer to your goal. Keep grinding, and don’t hesitate to pivot to adjacent roles if needed.
By combining networking, technical preparation, and strategic targeting, you can position yourself for success in Chicago’s finance scene. Keep pushing, and remember, many have walked this path before and succeeded!
Sources: Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, How I've managed to break into IB from a non-target (work in progress), Non-Target Undergrad to Non-Target Grad to Asset Management, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/can-i-get-into-investment-banking-from-non-target-school?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/my-2-cents-on-sa-recruiting-from-a-non-target-background?customgpt=1
are you enrolled for the uiuc msf this fall?
Yes I am. I start in a couple of weeks.
what other msf did u apply to
UT Austin, a masters of financial management at Texas AM, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio state, I believe that’s it. Some of them I didn’t actually complete because I didn’t get lor’s because my professors were busy
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