Going to a top ranked but not "target" school?

BankonBanking
Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:30:47 +0000

Yes, it absolutely would be. Once your school is on the radar of BB banks (in other words, targets or even some semi-targets outside of those semis for business - such as Stern), banks don’t really care about your specific major. In other words, you don’t have to major in finance, accounting, or econ, you can major in whatever interests you. That said, be prepared to answer why banking, how your major is applicable (or the skills necessary to succeed in your major) to IB and, perhaps most importantly, why that major - what about that major was interesting to you and given your interest in that major, how’d you end up interested in IB. As a general suggestion, I would also recommend that you join any finance/IB school clubs if available (even perhaps look towards an officer position) to further bolster your interest in the field, and, of course, utilize your alumni network.

As long as you can explain your interest in your major, tie in skill sets (for example, attention to detail, problem solving, seeing the big picture, etc) necessary to the major applicable to IB and be able to deliver an articulate response to why IB, you will be fine.

PM me if you have any other questions.

IBanker