Have I messed up by choosing to do History Politics and Economics at UCL?
I picked this course because it genuinely interests me and because UCL is a target university. I'm interested in pursuing a career in Sales and Trading (as a salesman more likely than a trader) and I am also looking into IBD and I've got some work experience in both of these areas. My concern now is that because HPE isn't as quantitative or competitive as degrees like straight economics I'm not going to have any success with spring weeks and summer internships. Is this degree good enough considering UCL is a target school?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your choice of History, Politics, and Economics (HPE) at UCL is not a dealbreaker for pursuing a career in Sales and Trading (S&T) or Investment Banking Division (IBD). UCL is a target university, which means it is well-regarded by top finance firms, and your university's reputation will work in your favor during recruitment.
However, there are a few points to consider:
Quantitative Skills: While HPE may not be as quantitative as straight Economics or STEM degrees, you can still demonstrate your quantitative aptitude by taking additional courses or certifications in areas like statistics, programming, or financial modeling. This is particularly important for S&T roles, even on the sales side, as some level of numerical proficiency is often tested during interviews.
Relevance of Interests: Your genuine interest in the subject and your work experience in both S&T and IBD are significant advantages. Recruiters value candidates who are passionate and can articulate why they are interested in a specific role. Make sure to highlight your work experience and how it has prepared you for these careers.
Spring Weeks and Internships: While your degree may not be as competitive as Economics or STEM, UCL's target status and your proactive approach (e.g., gaining work experience) will help you stand out. Focus on networking, tailoring your applications, and preparing thoroughly for interviews to maximize your chances.
Sales and Trading Fit: For a sales role in S&T, interpersonal skills, market knowledge, and a strong understanding of financial products are often more critical than having a purely quantitative background. You can build this knowledge through self-study, internships, and leveraging UCL's resources.
In summary, your degree at UCL is good enough, but you may need to compensate for the less quantitative nature of your course by building relevant skills and experiences. Keep leveraging your target school status, work experience, and passion for the field to position yourself as a strong candidate.
Sources: MSc in Economics to get into S&T, Fixed Income Sales and Trading 101, Intro to Investment Banking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/40-undergrad?customgpt=1, A Helping Hand to Humanities Students
Definitely more than good enough. Have seen plenty with pure philosophy degrees and pure history degrees from UCL get springs and summers. The rest comes down to your mindset, you can do it if you think you can :)
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