I’m outlining my approach to entering finance or consulting, aiming to gain experience in cities like Melbourne and New York. Here’s my plan:
Educational Pathway:
Complete Dutch high school (HAVO) by 2027.
Enroll in a foundation program focused on business or economics at a university of applied sciences for one year.
Pursue a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, where my Australian citizenship means no visa requirements.
Major in finance or economics.
Strive for excellent grades while participating in student investment or finance clubs.
Post-Graduation Strategy:
Secure internships in Australia or Singapore during my studies.
Apply for a J-1 visa internship in New York post-graduation.
Focus on high-profile companies like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, McKinsey, and BlackRock.
These internships typically offer $6,000 to $10,000 per month, which should cover living expenses in NYC.
Afterward, I may continue working abroad in finance or consider pursuing a Master’s degree based on the opportunities available.
Strategic Focus:
Maintain strong academic performance with an emphasis on distinctions.
Apply for internships well in advance (6-9 months prior).
Network through university resources, LinkedIn, and alumni connections.
Enhance my resume with relevant clubs and leadership experiences.
Does this approach appear practical? Are there any significant weaknesses I should address to enhance my chances of securing opportunities at leading firms or landing an internship in New York?
Smart move using your Australian citizenship to get into Melbourne’s finance scene. But here’s the thing - you might not need that foundation year if you can get direct entry into the Bachelor of Commerce. Melbourne Uni’s finance program is top-notch, just make sure you’re looking at co-op programs that get you real work experience while you study.
The J-1 visa route? It’s brutal competition. I’d suggest connecting with Australian offices of those global firms first - internal transfers are way easier than trying to break in from the outside. Your salary expectations are on point, but NYC will eat 70-80% of that income easily.
You’re missing something crucial though - quant skills. Pick up Python or R because modern finance roles pretty much require them now.
This video has solid advice on building international finance careers from someone who’s actually done it globally.
Your plan sounds like mine, except I hit London first. Heads up though - J-1 visas are way more competitive post-COVID, so don’t put all your eggs in that basket. What worked for me? Summer internships at smaller boutique firms in Melbourne during uni. Yeah, they’re not as flashy as Goldman’s, but you’ll actually do real work instead of fetching coffee as intern #47. Plus those boutique connections? They open doors you’d never expect later on. Also think about doing a semester in Asia - Hong Kong or Tokyo maybe. Shows you can handle different cultures and Asian markets are massive for Aussie finance careers right now.
Your timeline looks solid, but skip the foundation year if your HAVO grades can get you directly into Melbourne’s Bachelor of Commerce. Plenty of Dutch students make this jump without issues. Melbourne has great placement rates with big four banks and consulting firms across Asia-Pacific. Don’t just focus on US opportunities after graduation - build connections with Sydney and Melbourne offices of these global firms while you’re studying. They’ll often sponsor top graduates for international rotations, including NYC positions. This route gives you way better visa security than J-1 programs, which are temporary and super competitive. Also, add data analytics or econometrics courses to your finance major - quantitative skills are becoming must-haves at places like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs.
Love the ambition! Definitely reach out to Melbourne Commerce alumni who work at those firms - they’re super helpful and remember what it was like being a student. Your Australian citizenship is a huge advantage too!
Your plan’s solid, but don’t sleep on Singapore. Tons of Aussie finance grads start there before jumping to NYC. Living costs are way cheaper than NY and the big firms have huge operations there. Also think about doing honours in Melbourne - distinction plus honours looks much stronger on top-tier applications than just undergrad.
