If they won’t support an MBA, then, honestly, there isn’t much worthwhile that will help you get into a larger bank. The CFA is the only other useful, widely recognized course/certification, and that isn’t even too helpful for IB.

So… I don’t know, maybe financial modeling courses such as the ones offered here or in-person ones, or something more general like management and leadership-type classes.

What qualification do you think is best to go for? Something that will either help me get into bulge bracket or will just be good for my career and worth my time? They won’t support an MBA.

I understand just working hard here and building experience help’s, just talking about the icing on the cake.

Banks usually do not give internships to non-students and non-recent graduates. So I think it would be tough to pull it off here – you would probably have to go for full-time roles in complementary groups instead (think about aircraft leasing in addition to traditional IB).

Do you know if companies would be willing to offer internships to individuals who are not currently enrolled in school?

I don’t have IB internship experience. I did a summer internship at E&Y and after undergrad, I worked in commercial banking for a little over a year before starting a brokerage for aircraft parts with another partner. I did just complete an MSF (not from a top school) to help with financial knowledge in the meantime as I knew I wanted a career in finance.

Is it uncommon for non-students to apply for internships to get acclimated in IB? Thanks

Did you read the follow up? https://mergersandinquisitions.com/stuff-investment-bankers-dont-like-2016-edition/

The issue is that yes, the CFA helps you a bit (and it’s not a “degree” – it’s a certification), but it makes a small difference next to having a top-tier university, business school, and internships on your resume. So, yes, you could do it, but it’s not going to magically get you into Goldman Sachs if you’re coming from an unknown school and you haven’t had relevant work experience.

First, you should be really careful about posting your real name and information online… what if a recruiter Googles you and sees your questions in the future? It wouldn’t reflect too well on your job search and interviews at the company. I’d strongly recommend deleting those links ASAP.

I think it will be extremely difficult to win an IB internship, especially in Singapore, if you graduated from a non-top school with a 3.2 GPA and only have 1 internship experience at a commercial bank. Your best bet is probably to complete a Master’s degree and then move in from there, or to take some other job, such as at a Big 4 firm, independent valuation firm, consulting, or something else in professional services first, and then move into IB from there. See: https://mergersandinquisitions.com/how-to-get-into-investment-banking/

I’ve read some articles you wrote about investment banking and I found it extremely insightful compared to other websites. I also love that you reply to everyone.
Here’s my situation:
1)I am graduating in May, at RMIT offshored in Singapore (this isn’t a top tier school), and I am expecting to get a 3.2 GPA for this bachelor’s degree in Business Management (I also have a minor degree in Finance).
2) My only work experience related to finance is financial analyst internship in Laos at a French commercial bank, where I helped them analyst client’s credits, visited their factories, discussed their plan and so on. I earned a recommendation letter from the head of corporate department here is the link: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuLqv9gAbCWdmTykLicn2NhfOzSw
3) In 2017 I stopped my education to build a restaurant using my sibling’s fund, it is now running profitably, and its cash flow adequately covers my living expenses as a student. You can find out more about my restaurant journey in the following link: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuLqv9gAbCWdlTO5g6L_lgOWx734
4) I have also written some relevant reports such as industry analysis, equity analysis, excel financial modelling, which can be found here: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuLqv9gAbCWdgj-g5pGmpSLps7-B

Do you think I can get an internship from any big investment bank?
If not what else should I do to increase my chances to land an internship at investment banks?

Thank you in advance Brian, I hope you have time to reply

Maybe an internship before/during the program that is more relevant

Thanks for the response Brian. Apart from the required networking and self-study, is there anything I could do to best prepare for FT IB recruiting?