Investment banking is a profession that requires more than an undergraduate degree. You must have a certain kind of GPA, specialized abilities, and a solid network to get into the business. Many future financial professionals are interested in which schools will be the most beneficial in pursuing their career.
Investment banks with a bulk bracket typically employ analysts and associate positions from a small group of universities. They are also known as « target schools. » If you’re hoping to secure a job at a top-tier investment bank, it’s crucial to attend one of these schools.
The most reputable investment banking school is one that consistently sends an impressive number of graduates to most prestigious investment banks, and has impressive placement statistics for undergrads. Some of these schools have extracurricular activities and student groups that give students exposure to the industry. Examples include the Stern Finance Society or Booth’s famous Finance Curriculum.
This year, Cornell is the best investment banking school, followed by MIT, and Columbia. All three are Ivy League institutions that have an extensive history of sending graduates to Wall Street. The University of Texas at Austin is also on the list. The McCombs School of Business offers an accounting track as well as a finance major.
It will be more difficult to get into a top-tier investment bank in the event that you don’t attend the school of your choice. The most realistic path for students who aren’t targeted is to sign with a regional middle market firm and then gradually move to an upward-facing bracket.