I-Banking in Cali
I just recently got accepted into Pepperdine University in Malibu and am very likely going there in fall. I also got acceptances from Wisconsin and Indiana and am waiting a few others(ED2 Emory). The only thing that held me back about those schools are the cold weather that I might not be able to handle.
I found many posts from this forum talking about Indiana and Wisconsin but didn’t see anything about Pepperdine, so could anyone tell me more of Pepperdine’s reputation in those big IB companies in SoCal? Also, I was wondering why everybody seemed like only considering Wall Street(I know it’s for sure high-paying and sounds prestigious) but why not California? Is it because the pay is higher on east coast? Or for what else reasons everyone is considering east coast over Cali?
I personally wanted to stay within California because of its nice weather, but if IB jobs or works at companies in NYC/east coast will be much better, then I will reconsider my school choice.
One last very off-topic question about future IB career trend. I heard that the banks are not doing so well currently and will have layoffs a lot in the future when I go to seek for jobs, so I’m actually still quite unsure about doing IB (I’m not super good at math either). My parents wanted me to try the pre-Med track and to be a surgeon or dentist in future because those two are demanding and stable jobs.
However, I personally don’t have so much interest in science (except biology) and becoming a doctor has such a long road to go. I’m more interested in IB because I like to meet new people and negotiate deals, and I also like it because it’s a very straightforward job(?) and is very high-paying. But I was still wondering have you ever regretted being stuck with IB?
The top groups in Cali rival some of the top groups in the East Coast such as GS TMT SF, MS M&A Menlo, Moelis LA, and HL RX LA. However, most opportunities will be better on the East Coast.
People go to pepperdine to actually do something other than become models?
Fuck med school, it isn't grey's anatomy and it is clear that you won't have enough love/ passion to do well. Plus you mentioned you like the deals aspect of IB and meeting people so unless you're an aspiring Dr Miami then this is a horrible route to go down. So tell your parents to kindly fuck off with that vision of a stable job and focus on finance.
IB is not very quantitative... not being super good ( whatever that means) at math is not an issue considering there are art majors at banks. I think being good at mental math is important when dealing with brain teasers etc and there are numerous sites to practice that and become quicker.
IB won't die, sure there are leaner deal teams and some weak links may get fired but it is a front office function that is vital for our economy. Trading is slashing a lot of jobs and I doubt many would recommend it as a long term career but overall IB still has a ways to go before people start selling 2012 end of the world lies about how robots will become your next MD.
I've only seen a couple Pepperdine people in IB (Intrepid had a couple at one point). I'd argue that there are more IU grads out in CA doing IB/PE/Private Credit than Pepperdine.
That doesn't mean it isn't impossible, but the on campus recruiting may be underwhelming. That being said, it's an awesome campus and is trying to improve its finance reputation and connections. Couple that with good proximity and you should be able to network your way into a spot somewhere.
FWIW, if you think the cold weather is tough in Indiana, just wait until you have your first couple brutal weeks in IB!
Do not make college decisions based on where you have the best shot at IB. Go where you will enjoy it the most, and I can attest to the quality of women at Pepperdine. Turning down that school for a mid-west state school is the biggest regret of my life. I got interviews at literally every firm I networked at and even through just applying - I am from a non target. During training, I saw kids from schools I have literally not even heard from and I was at a midBB. This website grossly overestimates the effect your school has on your chances at placement. Just focus on studying hard and getting great grades and get a good sophomore year internship and you will be absolutely fine. Go to Pepperdine, party with hot girls, go to the beach, enjoy your life. IB can wait.
Where did you go instead?
Don’t feel too comfortable sharing that information. Sorry man.
Terrible advice. You can find hot women at Big10 schools. USC is a west coast target that is better in that department than Pepperdine.
The schools you “never heard of” were probably Amherst or Williams, both of which give you infinitely better chances at FO finance than Pepperdine.
If you bothered to read the OP, you’d realize that OP was asking specifically about Pepperdine and if he will be at a disadvantage for placement if he goes there. I suggested that he should not worry about IB and be confident in his decision to attend USC was not even in the conversation. Which is sound advice for investment banking - perhaps it’s not sound advice for your role in operations. My bank had 3 kids during training in NYC from Pepperdine from the SF/LA offices and one from USC in the Hou office (who did not convert his offer). Pepperdine is an absolutely beautiful campus with beautiful women and incredible temperature. Attend the school, work hard, and network and you will be able to place should you want. One of the no-name schools I referenced was in South Florida and I’m pretty sure was a technical school and he was a rockstar. At the end of the day, banks want the best and brightest and if a stellar candidate comes through the door from a non-target, they will be absolutely fine. Perhaps it’s different in your line of work.
LOL, if you can't have fun and party at UW or IU, the problem is you.
Nobody ever said that. OP said that he will attend Pepperdine and does not like the cold and wanted to know if he was making a poor choice by not going to IU.
Pepperdine is a non target. You could probably count the number of students going into IB per year on your hands.
hmmm...I'm starting to feel like Dukha and aphenophilia are the same person. The synchronicity in post timing and views is remarkable.
You’re obsessed with me. Hope you don’t come off so needy and pathetic in your networking.
Fully employed at what is likely the firm of your dreams but... :)
And with balls so big you can’t even post with a username, I see!
Idk who the fuck this dukha guy is but he’s sure as hell not me
X
Pepperdine doesn't place well. Check LinkedIn for where students land. Would highly suggest Indiana or Wisconsin.
Make sure you are aggressive in reaching out to banks because OCR doesn't really exist. USC / UCLA are major feeders into the BB/EB. I've worked in LA IB for nearly 4 years and have seen exactly one resume from Pepperdine, and it was a kid who applied but never reached out for informationals so we didn't think twice. I'm sure the school is fine, you'll just have to do the legwork and networking with a lot of different banks (don't have the BB/EB or bust mentality for sure).
Not to be mean but Pepperdine is only a good choice if you want to shoot any chance of getting into IB. Wayyyy behind UCLA, USC and Berkeley.
Yeah OP, you will have distinct disadvantage to UCLA, Berkley, and USC. Not to mention other schools out East who send to IB's in LA. But if you have a high GPA and intern early on, it can be done.
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