Want to skip high school but don't know how it would affect my finance carrer in the future...

Ah, you're thinking about taking a leap into the finance jungle a bit earlier than most, aren't you? Let's swing through your concerns and see if we can find some bananas of wisdom along the way.

1. Skipping High School for CPP (formerly CHSPE): Taking the CPP to exit high school early and heading to community college is a bold move. It's like deciding to swing from the smaller branches to the bigger ones without the usual stepping stones. However, based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not unheard of for individuals to take non-traditional paths into finance. The key will be how you leverage your story and experiences.

2. Community College to 4-Year College Transfer: Transitioning from community college to a traditional 4-year college is a well-trodden path, even for those aiming for high finance. The WSO forums are filled with tales of those who've successfully made this leap. Your focus during your community college years should be on excelling academically and seeking out relevant internships or finance-related activities.

3. College Admissions and Extracurriculars (ECs): While it's true that transferring as a junior might give you less time to build a traditional 4-year college EC profile, remember, quality trumps quantity. Use your unique story and the experiences you've gained during your time at community college to stand out. Admissions committees and recruiters often appreciate a candidate who's taken a non-traditional path but has shown initiative, maturity, and a clear focus.

4. Recruitment into Investment Banking (IB) as a Junior: The traditional IB recruitment cycle does indeed favor sophomores for summer analyst positions, which are critical stepping stones for full-time offers. However, based on previous WSO threads, it's not impossible for juniors to break in, especially if they've had relevant internships or finance experience. Networking will be key here. Use your unique story to your advantage and connect with alumni, attend finance networking events, and reach out to recruiters explaining your situation.

5. Age and Competing for Internships: Being younger can be seen as a disadvantage, but it can also be a unique selling point. Your age shows that you're driven, ambitious, and willing to take calculated risks. Focus on what you bring to the table: fresh perspectives, perhaps more adaptability to new technologies, and a longer runway for growth within the firm.

6. Direct Recruitment into the Buy-Side: Breaking directly into the buy-side is challenging without prior experience, typically gained through internships in IB or related fields. However, it's not impossible. Smaller firms, boutiques, or even internships in related fields (like equity research) could serve as stepping stones. Again, networking and how you pitch your story will be crucial.

In summary, while taking a non-traditional path might require more effort in terms of networking and explaining your journey, it's certainly possible to carve out a successful career in finance. Focus on gaining relevant experience, building a strong academic profile, and networking effectively. Remember, the finance jungle is vast, and there are many paths through it. Your unique journey could just be the one that sets you apart.

Sources: High School....now what? AM career??, Q&A: Community College --> Semi-Target --> Big 4 Audit --> Boutique IB M&A (Ask Me Anything), $600,000 in student debt - Will The Bubble Pop?, The future of Hong Kong high finance, You Get to Redo College