Investment Banking Target Schools (2024)

Investment banking target schools are, unsurprisingly, some of the most prestigious universities worldwide. Investment banking is a field that has long been shrouded in mystery. For many people, the very term conjures up images of high-powered deals and fast-paced lifestyles. But what does it really take to become an investment banker? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are certain schools that tend to produce more bankers than others. These so-called “target schools” typically have rigorous academics, strong alumni networks, and well-established relationships with top banks. If you’re serious about getting into investment banking, attending one of these schools can give you a significant leg up.

In this article, we’ll examine a few of the most prestigious target schools for investment banking around the world. We’ll also give you some tips for how to break into the field if you aren’t attending or didn’t graduate from one of these investment banking target schools.

Investment Banking Target Schools in the US

Investment banking is a highly competitive industry and landing a job at a top bank can be a challenge. That’s why it’s highly beneficial to attend a target school for investment banking. These are the schools that the top investment banks in the US recruit from, and they offer a wide range of resources and opportunities for students interested in investment banking. These resources can include interview prep workshops, unique access to recruiters, and even courses designed to prepare you for a career in investment banking.

Here are 10 of the best target schools for investment banking:

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania offers an excellent business education, with a strong focus on finance. The school has a long history of producing top investment bankers, and it offers ample opportunities for students to get involved in the industry.

Harvard University

Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it’s also a top target school for investment banking. The school offers an excellent business education, with a strong focus on finance. Harvard also has a wide network of alumni working in investment banking, which can be helpful for students seeking jobs.

New York University

New York University is another top choice for students interested in investment banking. The school offers an excellent business education, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the industry. NYU also has strong connections (and proximity) to Wall Street, making it easy for students to find internships and jobs after graduation.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is yet another great option for students interested in investment banking. The school offers an excellent business education. Students at Michigan also have access to a wide range of resources and support from the school’s career center.

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin offers an excellent business education, with a strong focus on finance. UT Austin also has strong connections to the Austin startup scene, making it a great place to launch a career in investment banking.

Duke University

Duke University is another excellent choice for students interested in investment banking. The school offers an outstanding business education, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the industry. Duke also has strong connections to Wall Street, making it easy for students to find internships and jobs after graduation.

University of Notre Dame

If you want to combine a top business education with a liberal arts focus, The University of Notre Dame is another great option. The school offers an excellent business education, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the industry. Notre Dame also has strong connections to Chicago’s financial community, making it easy for students to find internships and jobs after graduation.

Cornell University

Cornell University is another top target school for investment banking. The school offers an excellent business education, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the industry. Cornell also has strong connections to New York City’s financial community, making it easy for students to find internships and jobs after graduation.

Columbia University

Columbia offers an elite business education, with countless opportunities to get involved in the industry. Columbia also sits right next door to Wall Street which gives its graduates a significant advantage when seeking jobs after graduation. Columbia University is yet another superb choice for students interested in investment banking.

University of Virginia

Finally, the University of Virginia which rounds out our list as another great target school for the investment banker. As with all other schools on our list, UVA provides its students with an outstanding education focused on business and finance. But what really sets UVA apart is its Darden School of Business which is consistently ranked as one of the best MBA programs in the country. Furthermore, the McIntire School of Commerce is a feeder for undergraduate students wanting to break into analyst roles in IB or Consulting.

So, if you’re looking to break into investment Banking then attending one of these 10 target schools should be on your radar.

Even beyond this list, however, you’ll find very good schools that offer great preparation for investment banking careers. For example, almost all students admitted to Indiana University’s Investment Banking workshop land jobs in the industry.

Investment Banking Target Schools Europe

There are three major investment banking target schools in Europe: Oxford, Cambridge, and London Business School. Each of these schools has a reputation for producing top-notch bankers and is often the first choice for students interested in pursuing a career in finance.

Oxford

Oxford is known for its rigorous academic program and its close ties to the top banks in London. Many of the world’s most successful bankers have Oxford degrees, and the school’s reputation for excellence is well deserved.

Cambridge

Cambridge is another top-tier school, with a slightly different focus than Oxford. Cambridge students tend to be more entrepreneurial and innovative, and the school has close links to the venture capital and private equity industries.

London Business School

London Business School rounds out the trio, providing students with an education that is both theoretical and practical. LBS graduates often go on to work at the top investment banks in the world, making it one of the most sought-after schools for aspiring bankers.

Graduates of any of these UK investment banking target schools are primed for success in this competitive field.

Target MBA Schools For Investment Banking

Below are five target MBA programs for investment banking:

Columbia Business School

CBS is a top-ranked business school with a reputation for producing successful investment bankers. The school offers a rigorous curriculum and provides students with ample opportunities to network with industry professionals. If you want to break into IB, being in NYC certainly helps!

Yale School of Management

Yale SOM is another top-ranked business school that is well-known for its strong investment banking program. The school provides an excellent education, and its graduates go on to be highly sought-after by major banks worldwide.

Dartmouth University – Tuck School of Business

Tuck is another top-ranked business school, and it is known for its strong placement rates into consulting. But the school also has a strong investment banking program, and its graduates consistently find work at the nation’s top firms.

Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business

Duke Fuqua is a top-ranked business school that offers a world-class education. The school has a strong focus on leadership, and its graduates are highly desirable to the nation’s top firms. But again, it is also a place where those interested in investment banking can turn by getting involved in the Finance Club.

University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Michigan Ross is a top-ranked business school that is known for its exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The school offers a comprehensive business education, and its graduates go on to be recruited heavily by investment banking firms (especially those with large Chicago-based operations).

How to Get into Investment Banking from a Non-Target School

Investment banking is one of the most competitive and sought-after industries in the business world. A degree from a top school can certainly help open doors, but it is by no means a prerequisite for success. If you’re wondering how to get into investment banking from a non-target school, we’ve got you covered. Students from non-target schools can break into the investment banking field by excelling academically, participating in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills, and networking aggressively. Investment banks are always on the lookout for talented and ambitious individuals, regardless of their educational background.

With hard work and dedication, any student can make a successful transition into investment banking. One key factor is passion and genuine interest in investment banking. You should pursue firms aggressively but reasonably. Take the time to earn additional investment banking related certifications, prepare for your interviews, and network as much as you can. If you take these steps, opportunities in the field will almost certainly become available.

Conclusion

Going to a target school is no guarantee of landing a job in investment banking, but it certainly gives you a leg up. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in investment banking, attending one of these investment banking target schools is a great way to increase your chances of success. And if you’re looking for the best possible training and coaching to help you get there, our team at Management Consulted is here to help. We’ll work with you to create a customized resume that will help you get your foot in the door. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you reach your goals.

Additional Resources

• Private Equity vs. Investment Banking
• Investment Banking Interview Questions
• Consulting Resume: Complete Guide