Would I Be Too Old For The Investment Banking
Hello. I have one question. I am planning to transfer to a 4 year university in Texas and I want to get an education in the areas of Business, Finance and Economics. I also am dead set in wanting to stay in Texas after finishing school. I am considering to look at the area of Investment Banking and hopefully staying in Texas.
My situation is going to be unique because one, I am an older student and I expect to wrap up my education by around my mid 30s. Two, the reason I am going to be graduating at an older age is because, I was diagnosed with a Behavioral Disability as a kid (to be exact, Aspergers Syndrome). That lead me to having severe depression, suffering severe social isolation, as well as slipping grades and ending up in a non-mainstream educational environment. I also tried community college a few years back, but due to lots of distractions, as well as hanging out with the wrong crowds, I ended up dropping out with a few passed classes here and there. Then after dropping out, I would get a few minimum wage jobs here and there, go take classes randomly and then, I ended up working for a non-profit organization where I learned many skills including customer service, raising funds and managing funds for the organization and balancing budgets. After getting this job, I was almost about to get some stable paying jobs working for government agencies, but could not get hired.
So I decided to look at going to school and maybe look at studying Business. So far I started attending a Community College and my grades have been pretty strong so far (3.5). I was wondering will it be a hard road to get into the Investment Banking world because of my age (and even if I sell my life story)? I am just wondering. If Investment Banking is really hard to get into, it's not the end of the world for me, I can consider other areas.
Also, would Accounting be tough to break even (both Big 4 and Small Firms)? What about Consulting or Corp Finance? Let me know, so I can understand how things work in this area. Will those companies take me into consideration despite my age and circumstances.
(Sorry if have lack of knowledge about the Banking Industry as most people in my family in the USA are either Professors or Engineers). Also, my apologies if I am pouring my heart out too much and getting into too much details, lol.
I don't have the answers but more power to you man !!! Wish you good luck !!
Definitely possible. IB vs accounting recruiting are a bit mutually exclusive because you're best positioning yourself for each by majoring in different things (finance vs accounting). There are certainly some analysts in their 30s, just an exception rather than the norm.
I would work on telling your story in a way that frames your journey a little more positively - saying you have a history with depression and behavioral disorders is going to be a red flag in interviews because of the stress involved with IB. Also try to transfer in as a sophomore and get networking right away - if you start as a junior, you'll have missed most of the recruiting.
Would also recommend looking on LinkedIn to see how the schools you're applying to place into IB.
Well first of, I unfortunately cannot transfer into a major at Sophmore level, due to the fact that I have a large amount of units for my coursework.
Another thing is that my target school will either be Texas A&M or Tech. Also, I may aim most likely for a interdisciplinary studies-like major with concentrations in Biz and Econ, not necessarily straightward Biz School. (I can switch to B-School if I do tech). If I stick with the interdisciplinary major and go to TAMU, I would probably have to drop the I-Banking idea. What about for Consulting, CPA firms, Corporate Banking, and Corp Finance. Do they do there internships during Sophmore year? (Just wonderin').
I am not in IB but I think you may want expand your opportunity set to include additional areas in finance. It may not be so easy for you to get an IB job in Texas. In the mid 30s, you might need to explore your network to see if you know people who can open a few doors for you.
financeabc@ At this moment, I have a really small network. Also, I may not want to go to New York City (since majority of Banking and Consulting jobs are there) as l don't know anyone in that area. Maybe I need to look at other areas, like Commercial Banking, Accounting, Corp Fin, or maybe Commission Based careers (like selling CRE, Insurance, or Wealth Management). Who knows. I am just trying to find my place in this world at the moment.
Yes it's possible in your 30's, but tbh you sound like you are all over the place with your career goals.
It wouldn't be the end of the world If you got your ug in accounting, prepared for IB, and ended up in Corp Fin. I feel your path would be easier from U.T. if possible.
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