Is Geography considered a poor degree at semi targets for IB?
So I’m currently choosing what course to apply for next year. Due to my grades (AAB) studying econ/econ related courses at targets and most semi targets is not a possibility. Realistically the only places I can do something econ related is non targets like Newcastle, Southampton etc. However geography at semis like Notts, York, Manchester and Exeter are all possible for me. So I was wondering what the opinion on Geography is, especially not from targets. Does it/How much of a disadvantage does it put me at for IB/MBB internships?
It's all in your head. Degree doesn't matter for IB/CO.
Whilst it obviously looks better to do STEM to try make up lost ground from being at a semi-target, my advice is just do something you'd enjoy.
Or, consider retaking to reapply for Economics?
A very similar question was asked recently and I did a little digging for it.
While in theory degree doesn't matter, the reality is that most IB cohorts are full of 1. Target kids from any degree background. 2. Semi-target kids from a STEM/Econ/Finance background. London btw.
I actually looked through our (BB) cohort this year and there wasn't a single intern who didn't fit the above categories in ANY front office division which actually surprised me. There is definitely some selection bias here but with a sample size >100, I would've expected at least one example to the contrary.
I used to be in the "just go to any semi and do whatever degree and grind" camp, but I have doubts about the reality of that strategy now. Of course my firm is just one firm but it's a big one and far from an irrelevant indicator.
Now tbh I'd encourage a resit or be fully prepared to not break in during undergrad.
And re MBB, they definitely like STEM types more, no question but again, in theory degree doesn't matter. With MBB, I see a little more hope though, you could always start out at like Accenture and just lateral in after a year or two. For IB, the route looks more like Big 4 TAS -> IB and that can take a few years, especially because ACA is a borderline requirement to jump.
Thanks so much for this response. I’ve heard a similar sort of thing from someone whose BB cohort this year had a very small amount of people who didn’t do STEM/Econ/Fin and it was solely from targets. I think its starting to look like doing non STEM/Econ/Fin at Semi’s isn’t good enough at least this year. Were there also no non targets studying Econ/Fin represented in your cohort (even RGs)?
At my bank, yes no non-targets in IB. There were some in general in FO I believe. The same is true for the prior year. Not all were (racial/gender) diversity. But it's absolutely possible they were diversity on other grounds.
I've also interviewed non-targets but again not IB.
Noticed that you’re at a BB, currently doing humanities at a Semi. Do you reckon I should try target more MM’s?
This question has never made sense to me.
What do you mean "target more"? How exactly would your actions change between applying to the BBs and the MMs in this scenario?
You should apply to everything you can get your hands on, no matter who you are tbh (I did not follow my own advice here but don't be like me, I'm just lazy and chaotic). There aren't really that many banks in London even to target. It is very reasonable scenario to run out of places to apply to so there is no need to apply as if your time is the limiting factor, it isn't. The number of opportunities is.
Also the idea that a bank is less competitive because it does smaller deals is not accurate at all. A lot of people would take Jefferies or something over UBS.
Thank you for the advice
In regards to “target more” I guess in a sense I meant how much time I would allocate about learning about the individual banks deals, interview process alongside with networking with people from the banks and not waste my time with Elite BB/EB.
Understandably your comment makes sense and I will try apply to every one on the tracker.
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