Why Is It So Hard to Break In Without an MBA?

I’ve been trying to break into investment banking through the lateral market without an MBA, and it’s been pretty brutal. I’ve been networking like crazy but keep hitting walls. It seems like almost everyone I talk to has done the MBA route, which feels discouraging.

Is it really that hard to break in without an MBA? For those who’ve made it, what strategies worked for you? I’d appreciate any advice or insights on how to navigate this without going the MBA route.

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