How can I prepare a strong application for Investment Banking?

Question

Hello everyone,

I’m an international student currently in the second year of a Finance Master’s program at LSE and considering applying for investment banking roles. I completed my undergrad at a non-target European university with a solid GPA, but most of my experience has been in research and part-time internships, not much in terms of leadership or heavy transaction exposure.

I tried applying last year and didn’t get through, so I want to make sure I approach it more strategically this time. My questions are:

How can I best strengthen my application given my background?
Will banks view it negatively that I didn’t come from a traditional target undergrad?
As an international student, do bulge brackets typically sponsor visas for non-MBA hires?
Any additional tips for positioning myself better in recruiting?

Thanks a lot for your advice!

Answer 1

Hey (fellow LSE alum and now coach!)

I've worked with a lot of people in your shoes and many international students and non-traditional candidates have successfully broken into IB, especially with the right strategy. Let me walk through your questions:

1. How to Strengthen Your Application

Given your background, focus on three things:

Sharpen your technical skills - you want to be bulletproof here, especially since your experience isn’t transaction-heavy. Strong technicals can instantly boost credibility.
Craft a compelling story - own your path. Show how your research, internships, and education led you to IB. Make it clear, intentional, and confident.
Network consistently - this is key for non-targets. Start with LSE alumni and work outward to analysts and associates at firms you're targeting. Referrals will open doors applications alone can’t.

2. Will your non-target undergrad hold you back?

It may be a hurdle in early screening, but it’s not a dealbreaker - especially since you’re now at LSE, which is a strong target for London recruiting. If you network effectively and present a polished profile, your undergrad matters less than how you present your story now.

3. Do bulge brackets sponsor visas for non-MBA hires?

Yes, many do, especially in London. Sponsorship is more common at larger firms (bulge brackets and top EBs), but it’s still competitive. Having right-to-work alternatives (like the Graduate Route visa in the UK) can help. Be transparent about your status, but don’t let it hold you back from applying.

4. Additional Positioning Tips

Refine your CV to highlight impact, not just responsibilities - even in research roles.
Leverage LSE’s brand and resources as much as possible - events, alumni, and the careers team.
Be selective but proactive - target 20–30 firms and keep a networking tracker. Consistency beats randomness. You can also have back-ups!

Happy to help further (message me!) if you want to workshop your story, prep for interviews, or get feedback on your CV. You're on the right track - it’s just about tightening your approach this time around. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Hi Anonymous,

I know it can feel tough coming from a less traditional path, but I’ve seen plenty of people with similar backgrounds make it into IB. What really makes the difference is showing practical finance experience, even if it comes from smaller shops or short internships.

Your non-target undergrad won’t hold you back much now that you’re at LSE since that brand carries a lot of weight. Banks tend to care more about how you frame your story: strong academics, clear steps toward finance, and a genuine reason why IB is the right fit. On the visa side, large banks in London often sponsor international hires, so that usually isn’t a dealbreaker.

If I were in your shoes, I’d focus on tightening your CV to highlight anything finance-related, practicing a few personal stories so you sound natural and confident, and reaching out to people already in the industry. You’ve got a strong base already, and with the right positioning you can definitely make it stand out.

Best regards 😊

Answer 3

Hello There!

Given your background, the key is to frame your LSE master’s as your “target” credential while making your prior experience sound more transaction-relevant by emphasizing analytical skills, financial modeling exposure, and any client-facing elements from your internships.

Banks won’t hold your non-target undergrad against you if you demonstrate strong technical knowledge, networking effort, and clear motivation. As an international student, most bulge brackets do sponsor visas in major hubs like London, though competition is higher, so networking and referrals matter even more.

To strengthen your application, focus on building a crisp story that links your research and internships to deal execution, practice technicals until they are second nature, and reach out consistently to analysts and associates who can support your application.