All you can really do is try to get some type of informal / off-cycle internship at a local bank, investment firm, or other company. Search funds might also work (see previous articles on this site). A CPA/tax role might be better than nothing, but I would strongly recommend trying to work at some type of firm that does deals or makes investments instead.

Quick question: I did three semesters at Michigan State in physics/CS before dropping out December ’23. Just realized I want to go the elite boutique to PE route, so I’m going back to school. I’d be very competitive transferring to a target, so I’m applying to Wharton, Princeton, MIT Sloan, ND Mendoza, and UT McCombs for Fall ’25 admission. Apps are due March ’25.

Since I’d transfer in as a 2nd or 3rd year, what should I do to recover from the late start? I’m working a non-finance job and want to pivot closer to IB, but I’m not sure what jobs/internships would be available without enrollment or a degree. Are there any courses/certifications that you think could help? Maybe a job at a CPA/tax firm?

Depends on which specific LAC, but if it’s not one of the top few, yes, Emory is probably a better bet. But the timing will be tricky because IB recruiting starts midway through Year 2 (or earlier!) now, so you need to be ready to move ASAP if that is your goal.

I was recently accepted as a transfer to Emory and can enter as a year 2. I currently go to a top 30 LAC, is it worth switching if my goal is IB in NYC? I wasn’t directly admitted to business school but I can transfer into year 3 which isnt bad as it’s a 2 year program anways. The only internships I’ve had were tech related. I’m also a math/cs major.

I think almost everyone would say that IU Kelley is better for IB/PE roles specifically (and even more so if you can get into their focused program).

You will be at a disadvantage for U.S. jobs coming from those schools because they’re not as well-known in the U.S. (people know LSE but not the others in the same way), and you’ll have work visa issues unless you’ve attended university in the U.S. and are taking advantage of the OPT program there. So you need to decide upfront which region you prefer to start in.

LSE is definitely one of the best choices for European roles. SSE and Erasmus can also work but are well below LSE. For the U.S. market, LSE wins just because it’s the best-known option.

If you want to save money, yes, just attend something cheaper-but-still-good for undergrad and then use LSE for the Master’s.

Thanks, hope this helps.

Great content, very insightful. I am very serious about a career in IB. I will be a freshman in the fall and am deciding between IU Kelley and UF. I am waitlisted at a target school as well.

Was wondering if you had strong thoughts or insights on which school would be better for IB/PE? I have to make a decision in a week and have only been able to connect with Kelley people so far. I would be trying for Kelley IBW or UF MSF. I would want to work in Chicago, NY, SF, or Austin. I really loved UF, but if it will hurt me for IB, I’d rather not go. Also, both schools are similarly priced.

Thank you for your invaluable perspective Brian. This will be a go to resource for her throughout her career