Late in the IB game... should I still apply?

do-able, risk is quite quanty but a degree in finance/econ should give you enough grounding.

attending a target increases ur chances even at MO stage, spin what experiences you do have and you'll be fine. tests are quite simple, google some test providers and just practice, test providers are SHL, Kenexa & TalentQ, practice some numerical/logical reasoning tests. it's harder to break in without a relevant internship ofc but not impossible. gl

Thank you so much for this advice. I really like the idea of risks but think I might have a better chance at wealth/private.. as my experiences are on the top tier in law/government.. what do you think?

If I start practising from now do you think I will be prepared? Also, my masters is at UCL.. is that a target? I plan on going to all their campus events..

do-able, risk is quite quanty but a degree in finance/econ should give you enough grounding.

attending a target increases ur chances even at MO stage, spin what experiences you do have and you'll be fine. tests are quite simple, google some test providers and just practice, test providers are SHL, Kenexa & TalentQ, practice some numerical/logical reasoning tests. it's harder to break in without a relevant internship ofc but not impossible. gl

Nah it's really not, credit risk is just writing reports with id say even less maths then IBD. Well at least at the analyst and associate level it is. Market risk is inevitably more quanty.

Nah it's really not, credit risk is just writing reports with id say even less maths then IBD. Well at least at the analyst and associate level it is. Market risk is inevitably more quanty.

I am about to start my Masters and it is not in Fiance/Economics etc. My interests as of late have been in Risk/Policy and my Masters only covers the latter. I have a lot of public sector work experience that somewhat overlap into finance but no hardcore IB internship.. a boutique work experience about 1 year and a half ago + The standard 1-2 day insight day etc.

Now I understand what IB is about, I think I would apply for Risks.. but is this a risk applying when I have no exposure to this field?

Have people been able to enter this field with no background or internship? I feel so late in the game.


Also, I have heard about the infamous online tests. Any tests in particular, I should study? or a link to a thread here that may be of help.

do-able, risk is quite quanty but a degree in finance/econ should give you enough grounding.

attending a target increases ur chances even at MO stage, spin what experiences you do have and you'll be fine. tests are quite simple, google some test providers and just practice, test providers are SHL, Kenexa & TalentQ, practice some numerical/logical reasoning tests. it's harder to break in without a relevant internship ofc but not impossible. gl

Oh really? I was watching a video on credit risk this afternoon (jp morgan).. do you have experience in this division ?

Nah it's really not, credit risk is just writing reports with id say even less maths then IBD. Well at least at the analyst and associate level it is. Market risk is inevitably more quanty.

After finding out that a couple of guys I know high up on trading desks that are considered to be among the most 'quanty' of trading desks, did Theology/Classics in their undergrad, I doubt whether any roles in the industry, outside of being a Quant could be deemed 'quanty' (especially if you come from a maths undergrad. background).

i suppose quanty in the sense that not everyones good with numbers, general point though the math required in most roles isn't that difficult. excel (and whatever other internal pricing software is used) does most the work but being familiar with what u need to do to derive certain numbers is pretty much essential. some roles in ib just require that level of detail that shouldn't be left to chance so bringing in people with that attention to detail is useful. with regards to the math for trading, you can learn what's needed of the specific product quite quickly whilst on the desk.

Well yes, but how quantitative trading is varies desk to desk. There are certain desks which now-a-days you'll pretty much only get on if you've done a maths/physics/engineering degree.

precisely, as i said, familiarity for deriving the needed numbers is essential

the employees become useful more quickly and its cheaper/easier to employee those with the underlying skills

Well yes, but how quantitative trading is varies desk to desk. There are certain desks which now-a-days you'll pretty much only get on if you've done a maths/physics/engineering degree.

As gr8wizard10 has reiterated, you have every chance.

Just down to you to spin your experiences and nail the psychometric tests (Person with your calibre can nail this).

Good luck!

I think I will apply for the GIR, Compliance and Executive offiice... do you think I will stand a chance?