A degree from a top university is an advantage in investment banking, particularly at bulge bracket banks in the US or London. It doesn’t mean you can’t get a job with an investment bank if attend a university that isn’t one of the target schools or even semi-target. It’s just more work and a larger network to find a position.
The most important aspect is whether your school is considered to be a “target.” These are schools that consistently send a significant number of investment bankers to the largest companies. These schools are prioritized by banks because they are confident that their students have the skills and can fit into their culture.
Harvard, MIT Wharton, Columbia Chicago Booth, Kellogg Northwestern Darden UVA and Fuqua Duke are all on the list. This list also includes Imperial College London, Baruch College in New York City and other prestigious schools. In terms of their curriculum the finance programs offered at many of these schools are renowned for their analytical rigor as well as practical applications, which help prepare students for careers in investment banking. These schools offer a variety of educational and networking events for students who are interested in the field.
Apart from attending a specific school, you can increase your chances by participating in investment banking-related extracurricular activities. You can do this by attending seminars in investment banking and joining finance-related clubs or participating in a coop or internship in finance during your sophomore year. It’s also beneficial to add two or more solid leadership experiences on your resume before the recruitment season starts in your junior year.