IB OPT/CPT Advice
I’m majoring in Finance. I’m seeking M&A in Investment Banking. Since I’m an international student, I want to know what additional courses should I take to master topics I didn’t opt for at school. I would like to hear advice from international IBs who’ve been to the same process I'm in now.
unsure how the question has anything to do with OPT/CPT or being international?
Your question has nothing to do with CPT/OPT? You'll get both by studying in any accredited US university. If what you want is a STEM OPT, then major in a STEM subject.
What can differentiate international students to get an OPT other than having a STEM degree? what advice would you give to the international students who’re seeking OPT in JPM, Goldman, etc?
Well first, you should know that JPM doesn't sponsor. So do your research on which banks take internationals and which banks don't. I just recruited this summer, and to my knowledge, CS, Citi, BofA, and DB sponsor. Some of the EBs do as well (like Evercore and PJT), although others don't (like Lazard). Some firms like GS and MS operate more on a case by case basis.
As for how you can differentiate yourself to get a firm to sponsor you, consider yourself on par with a non-target candidate (even if you're at a target). The reason is you need to have a stronger profile than American candidates (otherwise why would a bank go through the hassle of sponsoring you?) So get a high GPA, solid internships, good ECs/leadership experiences, and network hard.
opt is not something one seeks like applying to a job. as a f-1 student, you are practically entitled to it. if you do get an offer at a bank that accepts & sponsors international students, then you will be applying for CPT if it's a summer internship and OPT if full-time. CPT is usually very easy to get as it only needs your school's approval. OPT is usually not hard to secure either.
having a STEM degree does not increase your chance of getting an OPT - it just allows you to apply for an OPT extension at the end of your 1-year OPT so you'll have 3 years OPT as opposed to non-STEM OPT which is only one year. pls read up on it online or talk to your school's international student office as these are purely definition-related questions.
I would strongly advice to do a STEM major degree.
My firm hired me solely due to the fact that I basically had a 3 year OPT (my manager told me that). It will be a good hedge in case Trump wins and decides to extend a ban on H1B visas (or something along those lines in the future). I did math for undergrad and finance for masters, my US school labeled masters of finance degree as STEM although there was barely any math.
Exactly, I’m planning to get a STEM Master's degree right after I finish my bachelor's degree. But I might transfer to one of the target colleges. What other things do you think I should do before I graduate?
Check your PM
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