<p>I'm still in high school, but this is something that I really want to consider before applying for any college. </p>
<p>Right now, my ambitions for the future lay in banking, and I'm 99% positive that one day I want to see myself in JP Morgan or Barclays. However, I'm not too sure what kind of qualifications are appreciated the most. I've looked at internships and most require financial degrees, however...</p>
<p>It's been my dream ever since I can remember to study at Amherst College. The only con of that is that it doesn't exactly offer a BA in finance - only in general economics. I really don't think I'm willing to give up my dream college for this, as childish as it sound.,Sso let's say I get a BA in Economics with a minor in Maths. </p>
<p>I read somewhere about a Master of Financial Economics. Perhaps I could continue with that as a MA and PhD? Do I stick with Economics as a graduate? Or go with Finance? What about Accounting?</p>
<p>I still read that banks are interested in economists. However, from what I've seen, finance gives you a major plus. I'm completely and utterly lost.</p>
<p>A MBA will probably be important if your background is only in econ and you want to do banking, but like what Madaboutx said, get some experience before going for the MBA.</p>
<p>Ibanks hire students with all types of degrees from business to economics to history etc. All that matters is that you attend a good target school, maintain a high GPA, and network. Everything that you do in ibanking can be self taught so the degree is not extremely important. Yes a finance degree will help you understand concepts but is not required. </p>
<p>The days of needing a MBA are coming to a close. Analysts are being promoted to associates to MDs. This wasn’t the case about a decade ago but MBA programs are geared towards people who are switching careers, not people looking to climb the ladder in ibanking.</p>