what should i do if i want to work in investment banking when i get out of high school

basically what the title says. im a freshman in high school and i want to work in investment banking when i grow up. i dont know what should i do to get my chances up to get in a good college and get an internship after 

 

Get into the best college* you can, do something finance related freshman summer, and network a lot

*Best based on conventional prestige / rankings. I'd take target school rankings with a grain of salt as they're heavily focused on total placement / per capita placement which is important, but (just as an example) MIT places worse than SMU in both according to peak frameworks' list. But if you were somehow deciding between these 2, which one would you pick?

 

Hey there, future Wall Street star! It's great to see such ambition at a young age. Here's a little roadmap to help you navigate your journey:

  1. First things first, focus on your academics. Get good grades and aim for a high SAT score. These are the stepping stones to getting into a top-tier school, which can significantly boost your chances of breaking into investment banking.

  2. Start learning about the market. Watch CNBC, follow the news, read the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and other financial publications. This will not only help you understand the finance world better but also show your passion and dedication when you start networking.

  3. Speaking of networking, start early. Connect with people in the industry, attend finance-related events, join investment clubs or finance associations at your school. This will help you learn from those who are further along in their journey and potentially land internships.

  4. Aim for an internship at an investment bank. Even if it's a small boutique bank, the experience will be invaluable. Start applying to programs like JP Morgan's freshman internship program. The chances might seem low, but you never know until you try!

  5. If you can't land an internship at an investment bank right away, don't fret. Look for other opportunities that can help you learn more about finance. This could be internships at smaller firms, summer programs, or even online courses.

  6. Lastly, don't forget to enjoy your high school years while you're at it. It's great to be focused and driven, but remember to balance it out with some fun and relaxation.

Remember, the road to Wall Street is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your eyes on the prize, but don't forget to enjoy the journey. Good luck!

Sources: 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), How can I become successful from a no-name school?, High-school freshman seeking advice, As A Soon-To-Be College Freshman, What Should I Do This Fall?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
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