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Investment Banking Access Pathway

The Investment Banking Access Pathway (IB-AP) is a program designed to help 2nd-year students gain early access to competitive finance internships in investment banking. It addresses the growing trend of finance employers, especially banks and investment firms, recruiting interns as early as midway through their second year.

Participants will demonstrate their potential across a set of key criteria vetted by employers. Those who meet the GPA requirement and at least seven of the nine criteria will be included in a UBC Sauder BCom resume book, which will be distributed to top financial employers like CIBC, RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, and others by January 2026.

Eligibility

To qualify for participation in the initiative, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be entering Year 2 for the first time in Fall 2025.
  • Be registered in the Early Start to the Finance (ESTF) Option, which allows students to begin their Finance Specialization during their second year and complete all finance course requirements by the end of their third year.

Selection Criteria

Participants are invited to demonstrate their potential by submitting evidence across nine key selection criteria that employers have previously validated.

Students who meet at least seven criteria and with a minimum cumulative GPA of 80% are also included in the Resume Book.

Relevant Work Experience: Demonstrate experience in a professional work environment.
  • Provide a current resume aligning with the IB-AP resume template.
  • Relevant work experience includes internship or part-time work in finance, accounting, sales, client-facing roles in a corporate setting, or entrepreneurship experience.
  • Note: IB-AP resume template will be available on the IB-AP canvas page.
Strong GPA in Relevant Courses:

Provide evidence of strong academic performance, particularly a minimum GPA of 78% in the following courses:

  • COMM 190 – Introduction to Quantitative Decision
  • COMM 293 – Financial Accounting
  • COMM 295 – Managerial Economics
  • COMM 298 – Introduction to Finance

 Please provide unofficial transcripts for Term 1, 2nd year. Transcripts from other institutions are accepted for transfer students. 

Note: A minimum cumulative GPA of 80% is required for inclusion in the resume book, while a minimum GPA of 78% in all the above courses fulfills this criterion.

Finance-learning initiative: Demonstrate interest in and aptitude for finance through preparatory courses or self-directed learning.
  • Provide certificates or proof of completion of at least two courses in finance-related skills, including financial modeling, Excel, valuation modeling, data analysis, M&A, private equity/leveraged finance, and venture capital.
Professionalism, Communication, and Work Ethic: Demonstrate readiness for the professional world.
  • Attend at least one career coaching session with one of the Business Career Centre’s (BCC) Career Strategists to discuss their career goals.
  • Attend an Investment Banking Industry Panel event organized by the BCC and the Finance department.
  • Professionalism, communication, and work ethic will be continuously evaluated through student participation and interactions in the program.
Involvement with Finance Clubs: Show active participation and leadership roles in finance-related student clubs.
  • Provide evidence of club participation, such as a copy of job offers, information about specific club projects they worked on, or a statement from a club leader outlining contributions.
Finance Competitions: Participate in case competitions or challenges showcasing analytical thinking.
  • Provide proof of competition participation outside regular classroom activity (registration, results, etc.).
Networking Skills: Demonstrate the ability to build relationships and connect with finance professionals.
  • Attend at least two Company Recruitment Sessions organized by the BCC.
  • Provide the names of four finance industry professionals you had coffee chats with.
  • Write a brief reflection (max 50 words) on one key learning from each conversation
Non-Finance Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate they are well-rounded individuals with discipline, time management skills, and the ability to balance academic responsibilities with other pursuits such as arts, sports, or volunteering.
  • Provide details about participation in extracurricular activities, including duration and roles/responsibilities.
Bonus: Technical Mock Interview:Students who meet at least six criteria before November 2nd, 2025 are invited to participate in a technical mock interview with finance industry professionals.

How to participate in the program?

  1. Register in the Early Start to the Finance (ESTF) Option
  2. Enroll to IB-AP canvas course, detailed instructions on program application and evidence submission are provided on the canvas page.
  3. Submit evidence as instructed. You’ll receive guidance and support during the submission process, but strong self-learning and self-initiative are required to meet the criteria in the process.

Important Dates:

Canvas site open date: September 2nd, 2025

Last day of evidence submission: November 2nd, 2025

Contact us

Please reach out directly to Misa Zhang at misa.zhang@sauder.ubc.ca

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