UW-Madison chances for I-Banking
I can't believe how helpful this site has been to me as a college freshman interested in one day entering the field of investment banking. Specifically, almost everything that I've read here or on other sites/books has said that it's particularly hard to break into a bulge bracket bank when attending a non-target school such as UW-Madison.
As a freshman, I realize that it's a little early to be worrying about internship and future career opportunities after sophomore and junior years. For reference, I plan on double majoring in Finance and Risk Management/Insurance and had a 3.77 GPA first semester. I'm taking some pretty easy classes this spring semester since I've gotten all of my business school prerequisites out of the way and hopefully will receive a 4.0 GPA. Come spring semester next year, I plan on studying abroad at Tsinghua University in Beijing for a semester. I joined several of the business school's clubs in the fall with the goal of eventually running for a board position on them and am also fairly involved on campus in volunteering and other student orgs. The school also has an competitive investment banking club which I'll be looking to apply for come fall semester.
My dream and goal is to work for one of the big investment banks after graduation, specifically in the investment banking department as an analyst. I'm posting today because I want to know of any advice and things I should be doing in order to maximum my chances of one day landing that coveted analyst position. I've been told advice such as that I should look to transfer before my junior year to a target school instead of staying at Wisconsin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I wouldn't say you are prematurely concerned about your job prospects. In today's hyper-competitive IB job market, its smart to prep early.
So far, you're doing the right things. Do the following and you should be good:
*Maintain high GPA - at least 3.6 *Take as many Finance and Accounting related courses as you can *Join an IB/Finance related club in addition to a club you are personally passionate about; secure leadership roles in both *Secure Finance related summer internships *Browse WSO for resources and tips - there is a lot of good info *Attend networking/info sessions when IBs come to your school to present; collect some cards from alums and keep in touch
There you go. There's your "roadmap" to an IB analyst job. Also, dont be discouraged if you dont get a job in IB post graduation. There is a big world out there and there are more than a few ways to be successful.
Good luck.
Oh yes, one more thing - fuck anyone that tells you to transfer out of UW. UW is a fine school and will give you enough access to bulge bracket recruting if you put in the effort (you seem like you will). Transferring should be your personal decision, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Getting into IBD from a semi-target like UW-Madison? (Originally Posted: 11/24/2010)
...
Everything is possible. Do more searching on the topic on this site!
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/dos-and-donts-of-wso-part-1
See: Do Not #1
http://www.wiscibc.com/index.html
PM me
One word... network
I work in finance in China and you're already on the right track to get a job here. Native Chinese people who have studied in America are the top prospects for jobs on the mainland. UWM isn't going to help you too much, but I don't think it'll keep you out of spots at good banks/firms over here. Having excellent command of English (along w/ your native level Chinese) is going to really help you a lot.
madison aint a semi target its a non target
Im from a non target as well with native chinese skills. IB in asia is totally possible. However, you need to be business proficient in mandarin (serious). Interviewers will (I assure you) conduct the interview in mandarin.
Good luck and start networking. Time is on your side, for another year or two.
People have no idea what they are saying UW-M is in many ways a target. You just have to be part of the Investment Banking Club (I think that's what its called). I mean GS TMT has at least 4 UW-M kids in the group currently. And I know another 8 around the bank and I summered with 3. The IB Club is a networking powerhouse, I go to a full target and still respect that network.
Pariatur nesciunt illo non maxime rerum libero id. Officiis doloribus quasi illo quis. Suscipit atque facere qui vitae ab sequi autem.
Sed eum et enim quos id quia amet nesciunt. Ut commodi voluptas quaerat id ullam. Eum minus quaerat alias qui libero quas.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...