If you’re someone who knows at the age of 17 that they are dead set on making a lot of money, investment banking is probably a good path for you. But it’s not for the faint of heart. Being a first-year analyst at a major bank can be beyond grueling and many people burn out or decide they’re unfulfilled along the way. Those who stick it out are rewarded in ~dividends.~ So, if you’re looking forward to the luxurious life, you might want to consider applying to one of these schools that feed some of the nation’s most competitive I-Banking internships.  

Harvard

Harvard is often at the top of our lists. Widely recognized as the best school in the nation, it attracts top talent in Business. First year-analyst programs at the world’s most prestigious banks are full of Harvard grads. Students interested in Investment Banking internships might consider majoring in Economics or Business Administration and Management. Whatever you choose, you should be sure to take advantage of Harvard’s vast and powerful alumni network.

NYU

What better place to nab a prestigious banking internship than in the epicenter itself? NYU is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Wall Street, If you want to land a great Investment Banking internship, it couldn’t hurt to have New York City as your sandbox. NYU’s Stern School of Business has a top-notch Finance program where students can develop their chops and connect with NYU alumni in the biz.  

U Michigan

University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business is highly ranked and offers coursework in Finance and Banking. The school’s Banking Club is a great way to rub shoulders with tomorrow’s future bankers (or current interns who know the ropes). Michigan’s career center also works to connect students to alumni. While it’s not an Ivy League college, it still offers a path forward for kids who put in the work.

Cornell

Cornell’s acclaimed SC Johnson College of Business offers two undergrad majors and several minors. It also has an Investment Banking Club, which seeks to connect students with Wall Street firms. Its members boasted summer internships at UBS, Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, Morgan Stanley, Citi, J.P. Morgan and more…and that was just summer 2022.

Columbia

It’s no surprise that many Ivies are making our list. Columbia is one that offers a Business major. This is a great program for students interested in landing tough-to-get internships. The student-run Investment Banking Division and its Investment Bank Club are great organizations for students to start building their business network. The latter boasts a wide list of banking recruiters with whom it has relationships, from Goldman Sachs to J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

Penn

Wharton is unparalleled when it comes to Business. Big Investment Banks are full of Wharton alumni and the name is the gold standard. Its Finance program offers a concentration to undergrads and coursework in Banking, as well an additional track in Financial Markets and Banking. Its career services department is geared towards helping students connect with potential employers, including for internships.

UT Austin 

The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business is home to a Finance major. The program boasts a career forward-focus with an emphasis on Investment Banking, Consulting, and Market Research In fact, all McCombs undergrads are required to complete an experiential learning component, which is most often fulfilled through an internship. The school offers resources, workshops, and events to help students nab hard-to-get internships.

MIT 

Most people might see MIT and think that it belongs on a list of schools for Engineering. But MIT’s Sloan School of Business offers a Finance major for undergrads and it’s one of the top schools in the nation for Business in general. There is an Investment Banking Club for students looking to build a network. Career services also facilitates an online community for students looking to break into the industry that includes job and internship postings and an alumni database. It also features helpful research tools, industry insights, and information about firms and recruiting.  

Berkeley

Berkeley’s renowned Haas School of Business offers a Business Administration minor for undergraduates within its broader Finance Group. There are several Finance offerings within the major. This is another school with a large alumni base and is particularly solid for those looking to work in finance on the west coast. 22% of last year’s undergrad Business students ended up working in finance. 

Indiana

Indiana’s Kelley School of Business offers a Finance major for undergrads. But the Kelley School also hosts an Investment Banking workshop for students looking to nab jobs in the sector, with pitch competitions, alumni seminars, and field trips to NYC and Chicago.  There is also a Finance club for undergrads.

Banking is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re destined to work on The Street, you might consider vying for a spot in one of the above schools. It’s important to position yourself as a top candidate for a highly-competitive program by gearing your academics and extracurriculars toward Finance throughout high school.

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