Break into IB after studying abroad and interning at a small firm

Breaking into investment banking (IB) after studying abroad and interning at a small M&A boutique is challenging but achievable with a strategic approach. Your master’s in finance and boutique experience provide a solid foundation—leverage the technical skills (e.g., financial modeling, valuation) and deal exposure from your internship to craft a compelling resume. To overcome the non-target school and lack of brand-name experience, focus on networking aggressively: reach out to alumni from your U.S. or Spanish programs working in IB, attend industry events, and use LinkedIn to connect with analysts or associates at target firms. Tailor your outreach to highlight your M&A work and passion for finance, aiming for informational interviews that can lead to referrals, which are critical for bypassing initial resume screens at top banks.

To stand out, emphasize your hustle and adaptability in your applications and interviews. Quantify your boutique internship achievements—e.g., “Supported a $10M M&A deal by building a DCF model”—to demonstrate impact. Consider applying to middle-market or boutique banks, which may be more open to non-traditional backgrounds, while also targeting off-cycle IB roles, common in Europe. Supplement your CV with relevant certifications like CFA Level I or online courses in financial modeling. Persistence is key: keep refining your pitch, practicing technical questions, and building relationships to secure interviews, drawing on the grit you’ve already shown by navigating international education and a competitive field.

You’re not alone in this situation, and many have successfully broken in from a non-traditional background. The reality is that without a brand-name school or firm on your CV, you need to be much more proactive in building relationships and getting your name in front of the right people. 

Cold emailing alumni, asking for quick calls with analysts, and attending every networking session you can find becomes essential. Focus on being consistent, polite, and clear about what you're looking for—people will often help if they see you’re serious and have done your homework.

Also, make your boutique experience work harder for you. Be specific in interviews and applications about the deals or projects you supported. If you handled valuations, prepared client presentations, or supported due diligence, make sure that’s front and center. 

Many firms respect hustle and clarity of thought, especially if you’ve built real skills in a lean environment. The path may not be linear, but if you stay focused and keep improving your story and technical edge, doors will open. Persistence and momentum matter more than pedigree alone.

Getting in without a target school or brand name is tough but definitely possible. 

My advice: 

• Network, network, network. A referral can make a huge difference!
• Refine your story and frame your international background and boutique experience as unique strengths.
• Practice at lot. Make sure your interviews go well to compensate for your lack of brand names
• Consider applying for Tier 2 firms and regional offices where competition might be slightly lower

Be smart about it and you'll get there!