Can a transfer student break into investment banking?

<p>I am currently a Junior in HS who has recently been doing some self-driven career exploration. Investment banking seems great -- It is an exciting career with a lucrative salary, and it seems interesting to me as I am a 16 year old who spends my free time researching market trends and learning about finance. Quite odd, huh?</p>

<p>But, I understand that since IB is promising, many brilliant and ambitious students are working extremely hard to make it into the industry. I want to be one of those kids. </p>

<p>Only problem is -- and I am sure you have heard this a million times -- I did poorly in my freshman and Sophomore year of HS. Can't go back in time, can only look forward, and right now I have a 3.0, and by the time I graduate that will only raise to a 3.3 or 3.4. So, I figure if this is something I really want to do, I have to ditch my local state school and attend community college, and then transfer to an Ivy League.</p>

<p>SO MY QUESTION IS - Can I still make it into the industry as a transfer? Please don't scold me because I made entrance into an Ivy League easy, and please don't think I'm some unmotivated dreamer who just wants money who is wasting your time. I'm really confused and want guidance.</p>

<p>I know how to network. I have good communication skills. I can crunch numbers like it's my second tongue. I know how to be presentable and respectful. I consider myself to be intelligent. </p>

<p>Its just that I don't want to take out loans to not get an internship, not make it in the industry, and become miserable making 25k a year.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for answers - Sorry it's so long.</p>

Yes, it is possible to enter the industry as a transfer (I have seen people do this), and while attending an elite college is an advantage in getting a job in the industry, it is not the only way. You can also enter the industry post-MBA. I would suggest you focus on what is in front of you (academics for the rest of HS) rather than too far ahead. I am not sure why you would have to “ditch” your local state school rather than attending the local state school and then trying to transfer to a more selective school.

Breaking in…
From state school: Possible
From Ivy: Easier
From CC: Nearly Impossible

Here is a great article written by someone that was able to break in to investment banking from a non-target school. I found it very insightful.

How to Recruit into a Finance Job from a Non-Target School: Stories from the Trenches
http://tapwage.com/cheatsheets/2015/06/06/how-to-recruit-into-a-finance-job-from-a-non-target-school