UNC vs Rice - for IB

Question

For a finance professional with no background in investment banking, energy, or oil & gas — and assuming no monetary differences between the two (same scholarship at both) — which school is better for breaking into investment banking: UNC or Rice?

bb · Answer

I feel UNC would have an advantage due to class size. Bigger programs mean alumni and bigger network.

I would recommend that you start networking as soon as possible, meaning today, and start reaching out to alarms as well as current students who have interned in investment banking or pursuing that career and seek advice about how to better position yourself. This will not only help you make the decision, but also will pave the way for your internship recruiting.

Saya12345 · Answer

Hi  bb ,

Thank you so much for your advice — I really appreciate it!

I’ve started networking over the past few weeks and had the chance to speak with current students from both schools. From what I’ve gathered, having relevant experience seems to play a major role in breaking into IB, especially coming from a non-traditional background like mine.

UNC definitely has a strong alumni base, but it seems that a lot of those who landed IB roles had some prior relevant experience that helped them stand out. At Rice, it felt like a similar situation, but I got the impression that students might have a slight edge in Houston given the school's proximity and connections to the energy hub — possibly more so than UNC students might have in Charlotte or NYC.

Still trying to piece it all together...

bb · Answer

Both of your suspicions or feelings are spot on!

1. Prior work experience helps to differentiate and help to perform better at interviews

2. Staying close to the campus gives you more chances to work and therefore helps with potentially converting some opportunities.

PS. Recruiting is almost never about the school brand but about the candidate so your experience is what will be evaluated a lot more than the school name

Gmat750aspirant · Answer

UNC is good than Rice

Businessconquerer · Answer

I am sure you did all the research before applying to the business schools of your choice.

But here are my 2 cents.

When it comes to overall prestige - UNC does have the advantage- size too.

When it comes down to looking at your personal demographics, people make an error in judgement. Because on one hand, you might hope for the O&G companies to sponsor, on the other, the O&G is generally too conservative to sponsor (historically- for the big names like Chevron and others) Now the effect of that may come to the industries that serve these companies too. The projects assignment, overall recruitment and other aspects surely take a hit because of it.

So while you might think that being around an energy hub is good- which it is, you might miss the fact that there aren't as many companies coming on campus to sponsor- the big ones at least. Being mindful and tactical about your recruitment might be in your interest.

BUT.... If you make a bad decision by accident, this post might come in handy- 
 https://gmatclub.com/forum/graduating-unemployed-what-happens-how-to-navigate-cases-discussed-443586.html

bhargavhhhhhhhh · Answer

I recommend UNC over Rice

UNC vs Rice - for IB

UNC vs Rice - for IB

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