How much does your degree matter, once you're "in"?

Career Opportunities & Internships Investment Banking
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<p>I understand how competitive it is to enter the field Investment Banking, and that being from HYP/MIT/etc is almost the standard.</p>

<p>However, once you have the job, how much does that Ivy League degree matter, in terms of moving up from the analyst position? Are Ivies & company favored throughout the ladder?</p>

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<p>Once you’re in IB, it is about your performance and how well you get along with your teammates and seniors much more than it is about your past/degree/etc. This is referring to moving up to 2nd and 3rd year and then getting the promotion to associate. If, however, you are referring to moving on from IB analyst to P/E/HF/buyside, then it is not quite that simple. </p>

<p>While your performance, experience and bank/group you come from matter most, if you are referring to moving on to a new employer, then your school can definitely help since many companies will want strong schooling to go along with IB experience, as well as have alum from those schools to give you even more support.</p>

<p>PM me if you have any other questions.</p>

<p>IBanker</p>

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<p>Thanks BankonBanking</p>

<p>So, performance is the key factor when moving up, in the same bank, to associate. How about further? I’m guessing that luck and performance begin to outweigh your degree’s importance as you move up, though I could be wrong.</p>

<p>Also,</p>

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<p>I’m guessing that by this, you mean your degree’s prestige matters once again, when moving from IB, to something like PE/HF?</p>

<p>See, basically, I’m trying to gauge the importance of your degree’s prestige in the world of finance, beyond trying to break in as an IB analyst (and at that level, I understand that your school’s prestige is important). Any anecdotes/hearsay/opinions would be helpful</p>

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<p>Oh, and while we’re talking about the importance of your degree’s name, I must ask: How does your MBA’s prestige compare to your bachelor’s prestige? Do both always matter, or does an MBA’s name usually replace the alma mater?</p>

<p>I feel these questions unfortunately necessary, as high-finance seems to be Ivy-obsessed.</p>

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<p>MBA trumps for sure. That said, if you attend an ivy undergrad and a different top 10 B school, you’ll have twice the network and an in with professionals at both school - so there’s a benefit there, of course, however, your MBA is what will matter once you attend. </p>

<p>IBanker</p>