Accounting/Finance major at the University of Houston looking to break into investment banking. ABSOLUTELY can not find any alum as investment banking analysts/associates/VPs/MDs. I've tried networking at Rice but to no avail. No relevant banking internships. WHAT DO I DO?
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Full Disclosure: I haven't been in your situation in any way but "non-target to IB" is a popular topic around WSO so here's what I got.
What year? I'm guessing you've tried Linkedin to find folks but, if you haven't, that's your best bet.
If you're a freshman, you should seriously consider a transfer to Tulane/A&M/UT/Rice if you have the grades and this is what you really want. Even if you don't get business at these schools (don't think there'd be an issue with Tulane), you still have a much better chance through those networks. Might still be worth it if you're a sophomore. I have no idea what type of network LSU has but you might want to look into them too.
If energy is your deal then just start calling banks in Houston and offer to work for free. Call HF/PE groups too. Like start calling IB/HF/PE today. After getting an internship, network your butt off and try and get a better internship (assuming you have two summers left) and then try and go FT with that company or a smaller bank assuming you can't catch on with a MM.
Whether you stay or go, get an internship or not, getting a 4.0 is a great step in showing your diligence and will be a big help when a small bank is looking at a kid from A&M with a 3.5 and a UH kid with a 4.0.
I have no reason to think that it's impossible for you to get into IB but it'll be extremely hard and you need to approach the job hunt/networking as a job in itself.
Good luck.
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