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Is economics and politics degree better than PPE to get into investment banking

Hiii, I’m in my final year of alevels (y13) and I take maths, economics and psychology and I’m predicted A*AB but I’m conflicted on which degree is the best entry path to investment banking. I plan to apply to Bristol as my top choice (which only offers econ and politics) and econ and politics or PPE at the other options I have for uni. I’m unsure if those are good choices or if I’m even better off just doing an economics degree, flat out, but I’m worried I won’t be accepted to just an economics degree with my predicted.
Anyways pls let me know which degrees are the best paths (PPE or econ and politics, or just econ)
Thank you :smile:

Reply 1

Ask on WSO - more Investment Banking people on there than here

Reply 2

Not in IB but know people in the industry or applying: it doesn't matter as much as you think, generally firms are becoming more accepting of different degree backgrounds, I genuinely don't see how you'd be disadvantaged for IB by doing PPE or Pol & Econ. The only thing pure econ would have is that it's more quantitative generally, but there shouldn't be much stopping you from doing more quantitative modules in a joint degree - so overall I'd say just go for what you feel you'd enjoy most and what you're most interested in, good luck!
Original post
by Zoro234
Hiii, I’m in my final year of alevels (y13) and I take maths, economics and psychology and I’m predicted A*AB but I’m conflicted on which degree is the best entry path to investment banking. I plan to apply to Bristol as my top choice (which only offers econ and politics) and econ and politics or PPE at the other options I have for uni. I’m unsure if those are good choices or if I’m even better off just doing an economics degree, flat out, but I’m worried I won’t be accepted to just an economics degree with my predicted.
Anyways pls let me know which degrees are the best paths (PPE or econ and politics, or just econ)
Thank you :smile:

Either is fine. You could also just as well do marine biology or Egyptology, or anything else, preferably if you are doing it at a target uni. They don't care what subject you studied.

Reply 4

Original post
by Zoro234
Hiii, I’m in my final year of alevels (y13) and I take maths, economics and psychology and I’m predicted A*AB but I’m conflicted on which degree is the best entry path to investment banking. I plan to apply to Bristol as my top choice (which only offers econ and politics) and econ and politics or PPE at the other options I have for uni. I’m unsure if those are good choices or if I’m even better off just doing an economics degree, flat out, but I’m worried I won’t be accepted to just an economics degree with my predicted.
Anyways pls let me know which degrees are the best paths (PPE or econ and politics, or just econ)
Thank you :smile:

It will make no difference. It is far more about your uni, A-level grades, CV, and if course how well you perform though the application stages like online assessments etc.
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 5

Economics and Politics would be better from Bristol. The key is to make sure that you do internships and pre-university placements at IB, as this is where you will be able to start building a portfolio of experience and a network of contacts. It shows future employers that you are focused and committed to a career in the sector. I have known some keep in touch with contacts in HR departments who they contacted regarding best optional modules for career in IB.

Reply 6

Original post
by _Jonneh_
Not in IB but know people in the industry or applying: it doesn't matter as much as you think, generally firms are becoming more accepting of different degree backgrounds, I genuinely don't see how you'd be disadvantaged for IB by doing PPE or Pol & Econ. The only thing pure econ would have is that it's more quantitative generally, but there shouldn't be much stopping you from doing more quantitative modules in a joint degree - so overall I'd say just go for what you feel you'd enjoy most and what you're most interested in, good luck!

tysmm!!! this was defo helpful and i ended up applying to PPE and econ and finance

Reply 7

Original post
by username6081443
Economics and Politics would be better from Bristol. The key is to make sure that you do internships and pre-university placements at IB, as this is where you will be able to start building a portfolio of experience and a network of contacts. It shows future employers that you are focused and committed to a career in the sector. I have known some keep in touch with contacts in HR departments who they contacted regarding best optional modules for career in IB.

i have ended up applying to econ and finance, is there any reason econ and politics wouldve been better??

Reply 8

Original post
by Zoro234
Hiii, I’m in my final year of alevels (y13) and I take maths, economics and psychology and I’m predicted A*AB but I’m conflicted on which degree is the best entry path to investment banking. I plan to apply to Bristol as my top choice (which only offers econ and politics) and econ and politics or PPE at the other options I have for uni. I’m unsure if those are good choices or if I’m even better off just doing an economics degree, flat out, but I’m worried I won’t be accepted to just an economics degree with my predicted.
Anyways pls let me know which degrees are the best paths (PPE or econ and politics, or just econ)
Thank you :smile:

honestly doesnt matter, Banks dont care what you've studied they just want you to nail technicals and jump through all the recuruitment hoops. just study whatever degree at the best/most target uni you can and apply for as many spring and summer internships as you can and you'll get there.

I'm saying your degree doesnt matter because more than 50% of analyst classes these days are all STEM majors, even to the extent of i've seen two people go from american history and archeology (at Cambridge) to the same trading desk at goldman so your degree truly doesnt matter.

Reply 9

Original post
by munchy_937
honestly doesnt matter, Banks dont care what you've studied they just want you to nail technicals and jump through all the recuruitment hoops. just study whatever degree at the best/most target uni you can and apply for as many spring and summer internships as you can and you'll get there.
I'm saying your degree doesnt matter because more than 50% of analyst classes these days are all STEM majors, even to the extent of i've seen two people go from american history and archeology (at Cambridge) to the same trading desk at goldman so your degree truly doesnt matter.

this was super helpful!!

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