Not really, if you already have that type of background you should be in a solid position. All you can do now is get a pre-MBA internship that’s relevant to finance. Yes, your background seems good for energy investment banking.

You have pretty good chances with that background, but you may struggle to convince them that you’re serious about staying in Houston since you’re from another country and most international students want to stay in places like NY.

Banks in London obviously do not focus on recruiting from schools in Texas, but the interview questions may be similar. And then there are other differences like assessment centers, competency questions, etc., do a search of this site.

Yes, it could help, but it would help you more to learn about the technical side of energy, as in the actual engineering/drilling/science required since most bankers know little about that.

Thank you for this great interview.

I am just curious as to whether or not the recruitment process is the same in London?

I am about to join an energy group in Houston after graduation. Would you recommend picking up an energy specialization at my school before starting? Will this help me stand out amongst other bankers? I don’t plan on staying in energy long-term, but I don’t know much about energy now, and I don’t want to be behind others when I start.

Thanks.

I think you might receive some skepticism because the first question will be: “Why not go back to Australia, the Middle East, or Norway? There’s more to do there than in Houston.”

So, if you don’t have a solid, specific answer for that one, it might be tough despite your experience.

Assuming I reached out and networked pretty aggressively, how would my background be viewed in Texas, where it’s been mentioned that the willingness to stay is very important?