Comments on: How to Win a Full-Time Investment Banking Offer as an International Student in a Non-Target Master’s Program

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:40:34 +0000

In reply to Elon. You can do that, but one issue will be getting a work visa out of that MSF program. I am not 100% certain how it works for UT Austin or if anything there qualifies for the STEM / OPT treatment, but you should research that first and see because you will run into issues as an international student in the U.S. That's the biggest potential risk/problem with your plan, the rest is fairly standard. Though I don't think you really need multiple CFA levels, or even Level 1...

By: Elon

Elon — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:04:18 +0000

Hi Brian,

I am from India, I have a bachelor’s degree in Financial Markets. I have 3.50+ GPA. I will also attempt CFA level 1 in NOV 2023. As my degree is of 3 years I am also getting a 1 year degree in entrepreneurship.

I am planning to get a MSF from UT Austin. It’s a 10 month program. I know very well that I won’t be able to secure an Investment Banking role right after graduation.
My goal is to eventually secure a role in Investment Banking. My final final goal is to get into a Long/Short fund or Private Equity.

My current plan is to get a job after graduation as a Business Valuation Analyst in Big 4 specifically in the Transaction Services Group and then eventually network and try to get into Investment Banking after a year or 2. I also plan to clear the rest of the CFA levels while working.

If I fail to do that I will apply for an MBA program in the US after 3 or 4 years of working.

Does my plan make any sense? Do you know anyone who has pulled this off?

Thanks & Regards.

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:16:51 +0000

In reply to Soham Sharma. Yes to both, assuming you update your graduation date and list it clearly on all applications/resumes. It's probably a good idea to do this, especially if you haven't yet done much networking/other preparation since internship recruiting starts over a year in advance of internships in the U.S.

By: Soham Sharma

Soham Sharma — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:59:59 +0000

Hey Brian!
Thank you so much for all the wonderful content. Would really really appreciate your advice on this:
I am currently a sophomore international student majoring in Finance interested in IB. This year my university brought out a new BS Economics degree, a stem program. I am considering adding a double major in BS Economics and would have to delay my graduation date by a semester to December 25.
1) Does this mean I can recruit for ‘junior year summer’ i.e., main IB summer internships next year since I now graduate Dec25 instead of Spring 25? [i would be recruiting for junior year summer internship now if my grad date doesnt change]
2) Does this also give me a chance to apply for ‘sophomore’ internship programs at BBs next year?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 16:20:59 +0000

In reply to Towhidul Islam. Judging by the rankings, I think it would be challenging to win IB interviews. It seems to be better for Big 4 recruiting. You can still go there if it's your best option and you have to deal with the STEM certification/requirements, but be prepared to work in another field first before getting into IB.

By: Towhidul Islam

Towhidul Islam — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:40:14 +0000

As an similar international student struggling to choose between some MSF programs, would you recommend Baruch Zicklin in the NYC? How hard would it be to get in IB roles after doing MSF at Baruch? It is stem-certified program. I’ll have to get internships during my time there. But my question is will I be able to get interviews for IB analyst roles through networking

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:16:08 +0000

In reply to Tim. Fordham is probably better because of the location and alumni.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 17:38:59 +0000

As an similar international student struggling to choose between some MSF programs, would you recommend
Fordham in the NYC, better location to network as hell, or
WUSTL, better brand name on CV and focus network with alumni

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:58:55 +0000

In reply to Morty. Top school in the US always beats a top school in the UK if your goal is a position in NY

By: Morty

Morty — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 03:22:25 +0000

If I want to get an IB position in NY, do you think it’d be better to study at LSE / LBS in London or to study at, say, Princeton in the US?