<p>I keep hearing people tell me that if all I want is money, then I should get into investment banking. So I was wondering how one gets into this field. Is it true that you can only get a job if you go to HYPS? I unfortunately am not even close to having the stats necessary to go there, so does that mean that I'm automatically screwed? Is it still possible to make it from a low caliber state school such as University of Oregon (I have better stats than that, but I don't see the point of spending all my money on undergrad education)?</p>
<p>I don't think a degree from a top tier school is absolutely necessary to land a job as an investment banker, but it seems like that's what they would prefer.</p>
<p>If you go to the top investment banks' websites, they should have a list of recruitment schools that they regularly go to and find prospective employees/interns.</p>
<p>Also-- I noticed too that many people look to investment banking for its attractive starting salary and the potential to earn more money over time. But I don't think a love for money is enough to get someone by with an investment banking job. It's not uncommon to see i-bankers work 80-90 hours per week. It's only when they move beyond the Associate/Analyst position they get paid the Big bucks with fewer hours (but still oftentimes 40+ a week). That takes resilience, a bit of luck, and perhaps even an MBA from a good Business school. </p>
<p>On the other hand, Equity Research analysts, employees at Hedge Funds and even parts of the VC world get away with very reasonable hours. If you're in M&A, you're probably in a sweatshop, yes, but there are nicer escapes.</p>