With Melbourne being one of the top financial hubs in Australia, many international students choose to study in Melbourne with the goal of entering investment banking after graduation. However, breaking into investment banking in Melbourne is extremely competitive due to limited positions. This article will provide insights into how to best prepare yourself during university to get recruited by top investment banks in Melbourne.
Achieve high grades at a Group of Eight university in Melbourne
The bulge bracket investment banks in Melbourne mainly recruit from Group of Eight universities like University of Melbourne, Monash University, UNSW etc. You need to maintain a minimum credit average, ideally 80+ to be considered. A double degree like Commerce/Law, Commerce/Engineering is preferred. If you don’t have a double degree, completing an honors year in Commerce will help strengthen your profile.
Obtain relevant internship experience with an investment bank or related field
Internship experience with investment banks in Melbourne or related fields like Big 4 consulting/accounting firms is crucial. This gives you an edge when applying for graduate roles. Start reaching out early on LinkedIn to alumni from your university working at banks in Melbourne to get referrals. Having family connections in Melbourne also helps significantly for securing internships and graduate roles.
Network extensively while in university to build relationships
Attend industry events, corporate presentations on campus, reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to start building your professional network while in university. Personal connections can give you an edge when getting interviews for limited investment banking spots. Just having good grades isn’t enough to stand out.
Prepare rigorously for technical and behavioral interviews
The recruitment process typically involves multiple rounds of case, technical and behavioral interviews. Start preparing early through practice cases and mock interviews. Talk to seniors who received offers in Melbourne for tips. Understand your strengths and what makes you stand out as a candidate.
Consider related alternatives like equity research, trading firms
If investment banking recruitment doesn’t work out, leverage your technical profile to apply for quantitative roles like equity research, trading firms, quant funds in Melbourne which offer good work opportunities as well.
Getting recruited by top investment banks in Melbourne straight after university is extremely competitive for international students due to limited positions. Standing out requires a strategic approach – from securing relevant internships early on, networking extensively to build relationships in the industry, maintaining excellent grades at a reputable university in Melbourne, and preparing thoroughly for the demanding recruitment process.