Warwick Non quantitive
I am aware of Warwicks position as a target for London IBD, my question is does the course matter? Is a BA in politics and international studies gonna prevent you from recruiting in high finance?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, Warwick is considered a target school for London IBD, which is a significant advantage. While the course you study can matter to some extent, it is not necessarily a dealbreaker. A BA in Politics and International Studies won't outright prevent you from recruiting in high finance, but it may require you to compensate in other areas.
Here are some key points to consider: 1. Skill Development: High finance roles often value quantitative and analytical skills. If your course is less quantitative, you should focus on building these skills through extracurricular activities, certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1, WSO Financial Modeling courses), or self-study in areas like Excel, financial modeling, and valuation.
Networking: Networking is crucial. Connect with alumni and professionals in the industry, attend events, and leverage LinkedIn to build relationships. This can help you overcome any perceived disadvantage from your course.
Internships and Experience: Gaining relevant experience through internships is critical. Even if your degree is not finance-focused, demonstrating practical experience in finance-related roles will strengthen your profile.
Storytelling: Be prepared to explain why you are interested in high finance despite your non-quantitative background. A compelling narrative can make a significant difference during interviews.
Spring Weeks and Internships: As a Warwick student, you have access to Spring Week opportunities, which are a gateway to summer internships and full-time roles. Make sure to apply early and prepare thoroughly for these programs.
In summary, while a more finance-focused or quantitative degree might make the path slightly easier, a BA in Politics and International Studies won't prevent you from breaking into high finance if you proactively build the necessary skills, gain relevant experience, and network effectively.
Sources: International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, Intro to Investment Banking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/ibd-sa-after-graduation?customgpt=1, High Finance is Paradise
Graduated from Warwick a couple of years ago. The short answer is no, its not gonna prevent you. The long answer boils down to a couple of things (in no particular order): 1) Basically - why finance and why IB (because the term ''finance'' is very broad)? From recruiting perspective - why did you change your mind? If you wanted to go to finance, why you didnt go to accounting & finance course or something similiar? Were you rejected? and etc. Basically you need to get your story straight. 2) Involvement in relevant societies (best would be higher level positions) - its important because you can get network + actual understanding of what people do in IB. Plus it is just fun sometimes. 3) Technicals - nail it. Go to finance lectures - ask your friends (or befriend some ppl) and go to WBS building and just figure out stuff. I remember some lectures needed access key (e.g. econ student could not get in the lecture room with his card) - maybe that has changed now. This might help. The bigger part - there are now multiple courses/lectures and etc online and you can do it on your own if you want it (learn the technicals I mean). The going to lectures part is the fun part. I also think you might be able to take some classes from WBS if your dept. allows you - that is what my friend did. 4) Networking - you should do that, although I have limited experience in that so besides the usual stuff, I am not going to add any colorful insight here. 5) You can even spin your story in a better way than most traditional candidates - i.e. maybe you worked on some intl. relations projects were you noticed that you liked finance and etc. You get the idea. 6) most importantly - dont idolize this stuff. It is a job - sure it pays well but you basically sacrifice your personal life which is not inherently bad but you have to understand the commitment. Also: dont scroll WSO too much. There is a lot of useful stuff here but most of the forum is filled with some irrelevant stuff - I recommend to check some @APAE posts. 7) most importantly - enjoy your degree and your time at Warwick. I am sure there are incredibly exciting things which led you to study this degree initially - dont discount them, maybe you will find something exciting there. For Warwick part - sure, it is not LDN but I liked the part that it was campus-based uni and everyone was rather tied up in a close space together so you have an actuall chance to really get to know some ppl. Anyways, good luck and I hope this helps.
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