What to go if I do not go to a "top school"

<p>I stayed close to home due to family problems.
I definitely do not go to a top school, nor anything close to one.
I go to UT-Arlington.
Majoring in Accounting and Finance, and expect to graduate with a >3.8
What are my chances of getting hired by a boutique IB?
I know you with IB that eventually you have to get your MBA, but should I get MS in Finance after I graduate to increase my chances of being hired?
(Also, I do expect to do well on the GMAT when taken.)</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>First, with IB, you do not have to go back to school for your MBA - it is definitely possible to earn the direct promotion. Many boutique banks, especially smaller shops, that hire an analyst will be looking for the analyst to grow and earn the promotion rather than follow through with the customary rotation since, again, they are smaller shops and time for training is a valuable resource. </p>

<p>Next, I would recommend as much networking as you can with the bigger shops, and for smaller boutiques, start cold-calling, cold-emailing, and generally reaching out to see if there are internship opps, etc. With a strong GPA and a double in Fin and Acct, while you do not attend a target school, for small shops especially, you will have a decent shot given your technical knowledge and presumed ability to hit the ground running in terms of analytical ability. </p>

<p>Finally, if you are interested in the MBA, you do not need to go for the MS - going for an MS often confuses the process more than helps it in that an MS still goes for analyst slots, but many often want the associate position since they have a finishing degree. If I were you, I’d reach for the positions first, if no luck, then plot out your next move - look to the GMAT in the near future (since it’s good for 5 years) and then decide if B school is right for you in the next 2-3 years. For now, take your time, and focus on landing an IB position </p>

<p>Good luck and PM me if you have any further questions.</p>

<p>IBanker</p>