Succeeding at Penn CAS?
Rising freshman at Penn CAS and was wondering if anyone has insight or advice into how the current environment is for breaking into IB or consulting from the college. I've spent some time looking at the career outcomes and it seems like econ or math econ has some placement. Are there any Wharton classes that really help with technicals? Is it possible to get into the top clubs/how should I prepare this summer for that process? I know the internal transfer is very difficult but has anyone had success in that?
I really appreciate any insight.
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Soo many hardos in Wharton that it’s difficult to stand out. Same situation with Ross and Stern.
Penn and Ross are not Stern. I’d say that of the larger schools with prominent business programs, Penn, Cornell, and Michigan are the most worthwhile in that order. The stratification between general undergraduates and business majors becomes more apparent at NYU and below (UVA, Indiana, etc.) UPenn CAS can place you anywhere if you have a good GPA, are involved, do internships, and network. Same with Cornell, and I think, Michigan.
good point, cornell sha places well.
bump
I’ve heard of internal transfers but you have to work your ass off. Must have a strong GPA and good course load. Talk with your advisor on what classes you have to have taken to transfer over.
I also know many successful CAS students who placed into IB who had CAS and Econ degrees. I even know a few CAS students who got picked for the job over Wharton kids. Get on all the email lists, stay up to date on handshake “on campus” or “virtual” visits from banks and you should be fine. Yes, the name brand of Wharton will give some students a leg up on you, but you have the same resources and job applications as all Wharton students. Only class that matters at Wharton is FNCE 2070 - Valuation. I don’t think you can get in there as it is an upper level class.
Makes sense. Any advice on clubs? Seems like the top ones have great connections to firms but it's a lot harder for CAS kids to get into them
Current senior at Penn CAS heading to banking at a BB after graduation. My friends and I had no trouble getting interviews, just make sure to network a lot. Reach out to both CAS and Wharton alums at banks -- both are super helpful
I recommend studying PPE, Math Econ, or Econ. Clubs don't matter other than showing demonstrated interest to firms (unless you're the WITG president or something).
I will say though, that getting into an EB or PE from CAS will be tough, however it's not impossible as I know a guy from CAS heading to PJT RSSG and another to EVR RX. Feel free to DM me if you have more qs.
Hey could we PM? I'm trying to reach you but it says I can't since you're marked as anonymous
any other input?
Currently at Penn CAS and going to a top bank and group, and I can say that being at CAS is not that much of a disadvantage compared to Wharton. As long as you join the right clubs (witg, pevc, wufc, wax etc.) and meet and speak to enough upperclassmen to figure out what to do for recruiting, you should be fine. Over the summer, if you really want to do something, you could read a basic investing book, watch CNBC, try investing on your own, and/or make a pitch.
I know kids that have placed well studying PPE, math, mathecon, or econ, so just pick what you like. People have gotten into great places like top eb rx and tech groups along with bulges. Regarding classes to take, I would definitely recommend ACCT 1010 soph fall - not hard to get in to from CAS and very helpful for interview technicals.
I think the only big disadvantage you have is that Wharton kids have a broader business breadth and knowledge, so you'll have to work harder to build that intuition. I would recommend participating in pitch competitions, reading investing books, and doing other things outside just going to class to learn. It's also harder to join higher level classes like FNCE 2070 or 251. However, you can always sit in (audit) those classes, which means you can't take it for a grade but you can still learn and follow the material/hw.
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