<p>Currently I am a freshman at the University of Kansas (KU), and I was wondering if I had any chance at being an Investment Banker? Also, what would be the best options as far as majors go? I was thinking a B.S. in Economics with a minor in math and possibly a minor in Global and International Studies. Would that be helpful at all, or should I consider another possible major? Any feedback would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>I’m not going to lie, coming from a state school, you will be at a slight disadvantage for the BB banks that specifically target top schools. You may hear people say that your degree does not matter as long as your gpa is high, you have a “fit” for the bank and you have good internships. Since you are coming from a non-target school, I would keep the Economics degree and try to get as high a gpa as you can. If anyone disagrees with me, I would ask them to give you valid points as to what other majors you could choose.</p>
<p>You’re close to Chicago. I would milk that city for networking and connections. Since you are a freshman, work on your first year of college, join clubs, check out your career center and see if any internships are offered to sophomores. As you reach your sophomore and junior year, start reaching out to alumni in the finance field, call HR departments at banks in Chicago try to work your way into a summer internships. Those internships are going to be very important on your resume when you send it to people you have networked with. You can use them a leverage to break into the field.</p>
<p>If you want to go into banking, you will have to network your butt off. But it is definitely there if you want it. Take it. And don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not possible.</p>
<p>Finance major along with something else would be best (industrial engineering, econ, accounting, math and international studies are all good options for second majors.) For some inexplicable reason, the bank I work(ed) at specifically looks for people with double majors.
Personally disagree with it, mainly due to the fact that a second major at my undergrad was like 5 additional classes and just meant you had less electives, but it’s not up to me.</p>
<p>As far as getting in sheaosaurus has it covered.</p>
<p>I’ve heard engineering is a good major for non-targets that want to get into IB… not very helpful for the job, but it shows that you’ve worked hard</p>