So I ended up on the waitlist for McGill Desautels and I’m thinking about just going with JMSB for finance instead. Everyone says McGill has better connections to investment banks and PE shops, but I’m wondering if I can still make it work from JMSB if I really hustle and build up my resume. Like networking hard, getting good internships, joining finance clubs, that kind of stuff. Or am I just fooling myself and should look at other career paths? Really hoping to get some honest opinions from people who actually work in finance or graduated from these programs recently.
JMSB has way stronger connections to Montreal’s finance scene than people think. The real issue isn’t the school - it’s timing your recruitment right. Sure, Canadian IB recruiting loves their target schools, but here’s the thing: about 30% of Montreal finance pros actually came from non-targets. You’ll need solid technical prep and early networking to break in. Use what JMSB offers - their CFA Research Challenge team and Finance Association are solid starting points. Get deep into Montreal’s key sectors: infrastructure finance, mining, energy. That’s where the opportunities are. Your edge comes from proving your quant skills through good internships and keeping your GPA above 3.7 to offset any brand issues.
Here’s a different take: JMSB actually sets you up well for Quebec’s finance scene. The province has unique regulations and bilingual requirements that play to your strengths. People forget that major Canadian pension funds and institutional investors have huge Montreal operations - and JMSB grads hold senior spots there. Your school name won’t make or break you. What matters is showing real market knowledge and cultural fit. Build expertise where Montreal dominates nationally: aerospace finance, infrastructure funding, natural resources. Hit up CFA Institute Montreal events and join case competitions outside your school. Sure, McGill might open doors easier initially, but finance rewards performance and relationships you build over years. Your success comes down to consistently delivering results and growing your network - not your diploma. You’ll need to prove yourself more upfront, but tons of JMSB grads have built solid careers at major financial institutions.
Don’t stress about the school name. My buddy went to JMSB and he’s crushing it at a mid-market firm downtown now. Just be realistic about timing - he didn’t get BB right out of undergrad. Started at smaller shops and worked his way up. Montreal’s finance scene is solid if you’re cool starting there instead of jumping straight to Toronto. He did finance modeling courses online and hit every networking event possible. McGill grads might get looked at first, but if you know your stuff and can talk shop, you’ll get there.
Everyone’s way too optimistic here. JMSB can work, but you’ll be swimming upstream the whole time. McGill kids get callbacks just for showing up while you’re grinding twice as hard for half the opportunities. Montreal’s finance scene is mostly back office and wealth management - not Goldman Sachs material. If you’re dead set on this, fine, but don’t expect shortcuts just because someone’s cousin made it work.
Breaking into IB from JMSB is tough, but definitely doable. Yeah, McGill has better connections, but plenty of JMSB grads make it work - especially in Montreal’s finance scene. Here’s what matters: hustle and standing out. Build strong technical skills through finance courses and certs to level the playing field. Start with boutique firms - they care more about what you can do than your school’s name. Connect with JMSB alumni already in the industry for insider tips. Honestly, tons of finance people took unconventional paths. Your different background can actually be a selling point in interviews.
JMSB definitely works! Just crush your GPA, get good internships, and build real connections. Your hustle matters way more than what school’s on your degree.
Breaking into IB from JMSB is totally doable if you’re strategic. Hit up smaller shops for summer analyst roles first - they don’t care as much about target schools. And honestly, nail your technicals early. Modeling and valuation skills carry way more weight than people realize.
This video breaks down what IB work actually looks like, which is clutch for interview prep.