International from Southeast Asia, currently based in Europe with an energy trading background. My goal is to pivot into investment banking in Houston, with corporate finance as a backup path.
I’m currently deciding between UNC and UT.
UNC:
* I really like the community. From the administration to the students, everyone has been welcoming.
* Chapel Hill feels like a charming college town.
* They seem to have a decent IB pipeline into New York and Charlotte.
* However, I heard internationals did not place particularly well into IB last year.
UT:
* More expensive, but probably my strongest shot at Energy IB.
*A Bit larger class size.
* I have not connected as much with the administration or students.
* I was initially waitlisted.
From what I can tell, both schools place a similar percentage of students into IB overall, but UT appears significantly stronger for Houston and energy-focused recruiting.
* UNC students would be competing with T15 for NY and Charlotte offices.
* Is UT strong outside of Texas for banking and finance?
Would appreciate thoughts from people in IB, especially internationals. Also interested in hearing if there are factors I may be overlooking.
PS. I have only gre (\~330).