Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series
Best MBA programs for a Career in Investment Banking
If you’re looking to break into the fast-paced world of investment banking, earning an MBA from a top business school can be a smart way to gain the skills and network needed to land a job at a leading investment bank. Investment banking involves advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, underwriting securities offerings, and providing other financial services. Here are some of the best MBA programs for a career in investment banking:
- Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania: Wharton’s MBA program is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the world, and for good reason. The school offers a rigorous curriculum that covers all aspects of finance and accounting, as well as a wide range of electives in investment banking and related fields. The school has strong ties to the financial services industry, and its graduates are highly sought after by top investment banks.
- Harvard Business School: Harvard’s MBA program is another top choice for students looking to break into investment banking. The school’s curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to finance, including corporate finance, financial markets, and investment management. Harvard’s extensive alumni network and reputation in the finance industry make it an attractive option for aspiring investment bankers.
- Columbia Business School: Columbia is located in New York City, the financial capital of the world, and has a strong reputation for finance and investment banking. The school’s MBA program offers a wide range of finance courses, as well as opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships and case competitions. Columbia’s location also makes it a prime destination for recruiters from top investment banks.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business: Stanford is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and has strong ties to the tech industry, but its MBA program also offers a strong foundation in finance and investment banking. The school’s curriculum covers a range of finance topics, including corporate finance, investment banking, and venture capital. Stanford’s reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship can also be an asset for students interested in investment banking in the tech sector.
- The Wharton School of Business at the University of Michigan: The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive MBA program that covers all aspects of finance, including investment banking. The school has a strong reputation for finance and a large alumni network, which can be valuable for students looking to break into investment banking.
- The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University: Kellogg’s MBA program offers a wide range of finance courses, as well as opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and case competitions. The school has a strong reputation for finance and accounting, and its graduates are highly sought after by top investment banks.
- The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago: Booth’s MBA program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers all aspects of finance and accounting, as well as a wide range of electives in investment banking and related fields. The school has a strong reputation for finance and a large alumni network, which can be valuable for students looking to break into investment banking.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in investment banking, earning an MBA from a top business school can be a smart investment in your future. These programs offer rigorous curricula, hands-on experience, and extensive alumni networks that can help you land a job at a leading investment bank.
Table: Top 20 Business Schools for Investment Banking
| Top 20 Business Schools for Investment Banking | % of Students Going into Investment Banking | # of Students Going into Investment Banking |
|---|---|---|
| Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | 31.3% | 106 |
| Columbia Business School | 25.7% | 100 |
| New York University Stern School of Business | 24.8% | 95 |
| University of Chicago Booth School of Business | 24.5% | 76 |
| Harvard Business School | 23.4% | 81 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 21.5% | 53 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 21.4% | 55 |
| Duke University Fuqua School of Business | 20.5% | 61 |
| University of Michigan Ross School of Business | 18.4% | 49 |
| Yale School of Management | 18.3% | 36 |
| UC Berkeley Haas School of Business | 16.6% | 39 |
| Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth | 15.7% | 27 |
| UCLA Anderson School of Management | 15.1% | 34 |
| Cornell SC Johnson College of Business | 14.7% | 36 |
| University of Virginia Darden School of Business | 14.1% | 29 |
| Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University | 14.0% | 40 |
| Emory University Goizueta Business School | 13.7% | 24 |
| University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business | 12.2% | 31 |
| University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School | 12.0% | 25 |
| Georgetown University McDonough School of Business | 11.1% | 16 |
