8 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, neither UCSB nor UCSD has a strong presence on Wall Street for investment banking. Both schools are considered non-targets for IB, meaning they don't have significant on-campus recruiting (OCR) or alumni networks in high finance compared to other schools. However, if you are determined to break into IB, your choice should focus on where you can excel academically, build a strong resume, and network effectively.

If you prefer UCSB and feel you would thrive there, it might be the better choice for you personally. Success in IB recruiting from non-target schools often depends on your ability to network aggressively, secure internships, and leverage any alumni connections. UCSD might have a slight edge in terms of overall academic reputation, but the difference is minimal when it comes to IB placement.

Ultimately, pick the school where you feel you can perform your best and take proactive steps to build your profile for IB.

Sources: The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Transfer from UVA (Pre-commerce + Echols) to GTown, Vandy, ND (Econ), Brown, WashU (Olin), Cornell (Econ), Chicago or stay?, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking, Affordability vs Better Opportunities, Georgetown Econ (College) vs Georgetown Finance (MSB)

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

a bit late. ucsd student here in the ib scene. you can recruit out of ucsd but its hard. both are bad but ucsb will def give you more opportunities. now with that said — ucsd is not impossible. every kid (all 3 of em) that tries will place, but they all have to fight to get in.

 

incoming ucsd freshman here, will being a d1 athlete will increase my odds of getting into IB? Also which student organisations or clubs should I join? 

 

UIS and SFIC are the best (and only) clubs for IB on campus. dont look at any other clubs, seriously, they dont place. in terms of being an athlete, it helps u with networking with non-UCSD alums, but like this school does not care abt athletes unless ur on the basketball team lmao

 

Few weeks ago there was a mention about UCSB and it inspired me to look through my LinkedIn and lo and behold, a few people I've met went there. Decent outcomes so IBD out of there looks possible (would still say its a non-target though).

That being said, going to school in Santa Barbara would be heaven on earth. 

 

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