Investment banking is a competitive industry that highly values graduates from target schools. As a top liberal arts college, Davidson College is considered a semi-target for investment banking recruiting. Though not a target like Ivy League schools, Davidson students can still land investment banking offers through proper preparation and networking.
This article will analyze Davidson’s strength in investment banking placement, provide actionable tips for Davidson students, and compare peer schools. With proper planning, Davidson students can overcome obstacles and break into investment banking at top firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
Davidson’s Reputation As A Semi-Target For Investment Banking
While Davidson College is not a core target school, it is considered a semi-target that places graduates at top investment banks every year. Barclays, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Wells Fargo all actively recruit on campus.
According to school employment reports, around 5% of Davidson graduates enter the finance and banking industry after graduation. This placement rate is comparable to peer schools like Claremont McKenna and Occidental.
Within investment banking, Davidson graduates often land analyst roles at middle-market and boutique firms. Bulge bracket banks also hire a small number of Davidson students each year. Landing a top investment bank offer from Davidson requires extensive networking and preparation.
Davidson’s alumni network in banking also helps current students. New York and Charlotte are common locations for alumni in finance. Students can leverage this network for informational interviews and referrals during the recruiting process.
How Davidson Students Can Prepare For Investment Banking Recruiting
While at a disadvantage compared to target school students, Davidson undergraduates can take several steps to strengthen their investment banking candidacy:
– Maintain a high GPA – Investment banks often screen for GPA first, so scoring above a 3.5 is critical. Students should take lighter course loads if needed to protect GPA.
– Obtain relevant internships – Completing 1-2 finance internships, even if unpaid, is invaluable. These demonstrate interest and develop technical skills.
– Network extensively – Reach out early and often to alumni in banking. Attend info sessions and coffee chats to connect with bankers.
– Prepare rigorously for technical interviews – Investment banks test financial modeling, valuation, accounting, and mental math skills. Practicing modeling and accounting is essential.
– Craft a compelling story – With no on-campus recruiting, Davidson students must showcase their passion for banking throughout the process.
– Apply broadly – Don’t just focus on mega banks like Goldman. Apply to all relevant banks and boutiques to maximize options.
How Davidson Compares To Peer Schools In Investment Banking Placement
Among comparable liberal arts colleges, Davidson faces stiff competition in placing students at top investment banks:
– Claremont McKenna College is considered a core target with a dedicated on-campus presence. Its proximity to LA provides strong banking networks.
– Colgate University has an extensive alumni presence in NYC banking that facilitates placements. It’s a semi-target for firms like Goldman Sachs.
– Occidental College benefits from its location near LA and sends several students to banks every year. It has an emerging semi-target reputation.
– Bucknell University is another semi-target that places better than Davidson, thanks to its alumni connections.
To compensate, Davidson students should expand their networks beyond alumni, leverage on-campus resources, and cast a wide net when applying.
Though not a typical target, Davidson College provides pathways for motivated students to break into investment banking. With thorough preparation and determined networking, Davidson undergraduates can obtain analyst roles at top middle-market and boutique firms. While difficult, even bulge bracket banks like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan hire qualified Davidson applicants each year.