Stern vs. Berkeley (Engineering) for Investment Banking
Hi everyone! I’m a high school senior with a keen interest in pursuing a career in investment banking, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be accepted into both NYU Stern and Berkeley’s engineering program. While my preference leans towards attending Berkeley, I’m curious about my recruitment prospects from the engineering school. Will I still have the same opportunities for landing a role in investment banking?
Additionally, what steps can I take to maximize my chances for success in this field?
I’d really appreciate any insights or advice you may have! Thank you!
One response
Congratulations on your admissions to both NYU Stern and Berkeley! Both schools offer fantastic opportunities, but they cater to different aspects of your career goals.
Given your interest in investment banking, NYU Stern has a strong finance program and is well-known for its connections in the investment banking industry, especially given its proximity to Wall Street. This could provide you with more immediate access to internships, networking events, and recruitment opportunities specifically geared towards finance.
However, if you prefer Berkeley, you can definitely make it work for a career in investment banking. Here are some steps you can take to set yourself up for success at Berkeley’s engineering program:
Network: Leverage alumni networks and attend career fairs. Connect with fellow students who have successfully made the transition from engineering to finance.
Join Finance Clubs: Get involved in finance-related student organizations. This can help you build skills, find peers with similar interests, and facilitate networking with industry professionals.
Internships: Seek out internships in finance or related fields as early as possible. Even if they aren’t strictly in investment banking, any finance-related experience can be valuable.
Take Relevant Courses: Consider taking electives in finance, Economics, or business to build your financial knowledge and skills.
Prepare for Interviews: Develop a strong understanding of finance concepts, modeling, and valuation. There are numerous resources available online to help you prepare for technical interviews specific to investment banking.
Leverage Career Services: Utilize Berkeley’s career center for resume reviews, mock interviews, and connections with recruiters.
Stay Informed: Follow finance news and trends to be prepared for interviews and discussions about the industry.
In the end, both paths can lead to successful careers in investment banking, but they require different approaches. If you feel a strong connection to Berkeley and think you’ll thrive there, you can absolutely carve out your path to investment banking. Good luck!