What are my chances of getting into investment banking (city)?

Okay, here is the thing, I have always wanted to go into a career in investment banking, but I am really doubting whether I have the right experience / academic qualifications to have a genuine chance in making successful applications (city IBs). I have, 3 B's in A-Levels, First Class in Accounting and expecting a Distinction in my masters course in strategic accounting and finance. the thing is I went to really poor universities: uni of Bedfordshire and Trent university respectively. I am fully aware that major IB look for candidates from UCL, Oxbridge, Warwick etc. So do I have a real chance of succeeding in IB? will my strong academic qualifications (except my a-levels) will be enough for them to overlook the universities ive attended? thanks (apologies for not putting this into paragraphs, my space bar doesn't appear to work on here :/ ).

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Do you have any banking work experience or internships? You may be able to get away with having been to poor universities if you make yourself stand out in other areas. Either internships or a trading portfolio etc will be essential to make yourself stand out.


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I think you should lower the bar first, and apply to regional boutiques - then maybe you could secure an internship at a BB in the future, when recruiting season comes. Also you could start networking / looking for alumni.

I'm no expert but perhaps you could do a masters again (or maybe a PHD I don't know) at a respectable uni to rebrand yourself? I am not sure if you can do that (two masters), but the universities you went to are big time nontargets, and you stand zero chance for FO roles as for the moment.

Your primary concern is landing interviews, setting your foot into the door: in order to do that, either you should be from a target, either you should be networked, or either should have relevant work exp in addition to the things which boost your CV (projects you took on, any leadership, etc.) -

from that part, it will all be up to you - whether you can ace your interviews, and then ace your internship.

So basically what you're saying is that I should get as much summer internships in small boutique firms under my belt as possible before applying for the big IBs?

Pretty much yeah. But again, Im no expert. And focus on getting your CV in the right shape.

Mergersandinquistions website and WSO can help you a lot. Good luck!

Hey its been a while....anyway, yeah I use M&I a lot for helps/tips. its been very useful so far. Since I last posted I completed a 2 month corporate finance internship at a boutique and have 2 more internships lined up. I have also networked and built quite a good relationship with an MD at a BB Bank..so hopefully that helps.

Hey its been a while....anyway, yeah I use M&I a lot for helps/tips. its been very useful so far. Since I last posted I completed a 2 month corporate finance internship at a boutique and have 2 more internships lined up. I have also networked and built quite a good relationship with an MD at a BB Bank..so hopefully that helps.

Thanks everyone for the support, I really appreciate it. The third internship (2 Months) that I have lined up is in a reputable boutique in the city. The MD I spoke to said that he knows two of its founding members very well, and he gave me their details. So that's definitely a plus. Further, given the fact that this firm specialises in the same industry as the one the MD works in, he recommended that I try everything within my capacity to extend this internship and gain some solid experience. In which case, he said I stand a realistic chance of succeeding when I eventually apply (through him) for off-cycle / analyst positions in his division. Well that's my plan for the next 4/5 months, I'll keep everyone updated. wish me luck, I'll definitely need it.