I go to an average state school...

Career Opportunities & Internships Investment Banking
1

<p>And I'm looking to break into Sales and Trading.</p>

<p>So far, I've noticed that I've really been interested in analyzing risk vs reward, which is why Should I just give up now? I'm not even asking to get necessarily into the S&T equivalent of the BB investment banking firms. I can settle for the "non-prestigious" firms, and think I can pick it up from there. I screwed around a lot in high school, and so far my first year in college, but now I think it's time to get serious, and I'm doing everything I can from now on to succeed. I'm at the state school due to the fact that it's cheapest, but is it even possible to get into this kind of profession if you don't go to the top schools?</p>

<p>I'm going to major in accounting and applied math to give myself a better background in quantitative studies and attention to details (from accounting), and have already started doing things such as betting on sports (to get an idea of what risk is/how to maximize reward), reading the New York Times to keep up with politics (I used to only follow sports and I'm thinking about subscribing to the wall street journal to learn more about finance on my own), and will try to do interning or something this summer all to show that I am interested in this field. So if I take these steps and get a good GPA, can I still get into this field, or am I screwed basically just because of my lack of academic pedegree? </p>

<p>thanks, and any advice is appreciated.</p>

2

<p>If you're not at a target school, you need a great GPA.</p>

<p>The NYT isn't going to help much--- the WSJ will. Sports betting won't really help either (if anything, start a mock portfolio to start learning the ins and outs of stocks)</p>

<p>You're going to have to network with people currently in the industry in order to get any interviews. Attend career events, visit the alumni office and email alumni asking to speak with them, talk to family friends, etc. You've still got a shot-- you just need to work hard at it</p>

3

<p>Why not transfer? There are many states schools which are very well recruited: UVA McIntire, Berkeley Haas, UMich Ross.</p>

<p>If not, perhaps look into getting an top tier MBA after working a few years in finance?</p>

<p>In terms of reading material: read NYT Dealbook, WSJ DealJournal, WSJ Money & Investing section, Economist, maybe some McKinsey Quarterly.</p>

<p>Definitely though, it is VERY VERY hard for a state school student to break into any front office banking position (S&T, IBD, ER, etc). Perhaps look at Asset Management too, but this is quite difficult as well.</p>