Investment banking is a profession that requires more than an undergraduate degree. You require a certain level of GPA, special skills, and a strong network to be successful in the business. Many future financial professionals are unsure of which institutions can be the most beneficial to getting their job.
Typically investment banks in the bulk bracket hire for analyst and associate positions a select number of universities. These are referred to as “target schools.” If you’re hoping to get an entry-level job at an investment bank, it’s vital that you go to one of these schools.
The top investment banking school is one that consistently sends a high number of graduates to the largest investment banks, and has impressive placement statistics for undergrads. Some of these schools also offer extracurricular activities or student groups that let students gain exposure to the business including the Stern Finance Society and Booth’s renowned finance curriculum.
This year, Cornell tops the list of the top investment banking schools followed by MIT and Columbia. All three schools are Ivy League and have a tradition of sending their graduates to Wall Street. The University of Texas at Austin was also on the list. Its McCombs School of Business has an accounting major and an Investment Banking track.
Although you may still be able to get into a top investment bank even when you don’t attend an academic institution that is a target, it will be significantly more difficult. The most likely route for students who aren’t target students is to sign with a regional middle market firm and then gradually move lateral to an incline bracket.