Engineer to IB?

Do you know or work with any people who have a background in engineering (other than CS) who have successfully become analysts or associates? I currently work in the energy industry and have experience working for behemoth companies with household recognition, and I’d like to ideally switch to IB in the energy industry. Does my experience matter? Or do I really have to get an MBA from Harvard? As a background I have two engineering degrees (civil and petroleum) from the top public university in the north east and have no working experience in finance.

Any tips or insight would really be helpful

19 Comments
 

I have a background in electrical/civil/mechanical engineering and was able to break in without an MBA but did a Master of Finance to come in as an analyst. 

EDIT: I've networked with a bunch of associates and senior bankers with your background. You don't need an MBA from Harvard but you'll need some sort of degree to show you understand finance to land an interview. 

 

That’s great news! Are you happy with the switch? I’m in the low 6’s now, could make it to mid 100’s in a couple years as a PM if I stay the course I’m on. So I’m wondering if it’s worth it. Idc what I do, as long as I make money. Goal is to retire by 45-50

 

I haven't started yet, will be starting in June. I've never worked as an engineer, just did some internships in the industry and decided I wanted to get paid more. The full-time eng offers I received were 60K and 65K for NYC. I'll be starting at 110K and all I had to do was a Master's degree for a year. 

EDIT: 110K base and bonuses historically have been 60-80K. The hours are much worse but I find this more interesting than what I studied in undergrad. 

 

I am finishing my bachelor of engineering this year, did an SA role over summer and got a return offer as an analyst in BBIB (Australia). I had no prior financial knowledge except what I learnt online. It is definitely possible but it is difficult and requires a certain amount of luck. (Also it's damn hard once you start and you have to have everything but the technicals mastered to get selected if you don't know them).

 

That’s great, congratulations! I haven’t begun researching financial modeling or deal flow since I haven’t started seriously applying. I’m really trying to gauge what the opportunities are after you gain IB experience. I see a lot of talk about “after my IB stint” where they worked 2 years or so as an analyst, but idk what comes after. Corporate financial analyst? Trader at a hedge fund? Business development manager? It all seems vague

 

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