1. Home
  2. Career & Experience
  3. Gain Experience
  4. Mentorship & Specialty Programs
  5. Investment Banking Access Pathway

Investment Banking Access Pathway

The Investment Banking Access Pathway (IB-AP) is a program designed to help 2nd-year students in the Early Start to the Finance Option 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 students’ 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 eight criteria will be included in a UBC Sauder BCom resume book, which will be distributed to top financial employers such as CIBC, RBC, TD, BMO, and Scotiabank by January 2026.

Students selected for the resume book will also receive structured interview preparation, including technical training, mock interviews with finance professionals, and peer mentorship from upper-year students with IB internship experience.

Eligibility

Students must meet the following requirements to participate in IB-AP:

How to Participate

  1. Register in the Early Start to the Finance (ESTF) Option
  2. Enroll in the IB-AP Canvas course, where detailed instructions on program application and evidence submission will be provided.

  3. Submit evidence as instructed. Guidance and support will be available during the evidence submission process; however, you will need to demonstrate strong self-learning and self-initiative to meet the criteria in the process.

Important Dates

Canvas site open date: September 2, 2025

Last day of evidence submission: November 2, 2025

Selection Criteria

Participants are invited to demonstrate their potential by submitting evidence across eight key selection criteria we previously validated with employers. 

Students who meet at least seven criteria and with a minimum cumulative GPA of 80% are included in this 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: e.g., internship/part-time work in finance, accounting, sales, client-facing roles in a corporate setting, or entrepreneurship experience.
  • Note: IB-AP resume template will be provided on the IB-AP canvas page.
Strong GPA in Relevant Courses:

Provide evidence of strong academic performance, particularly a minimum GPA of 80% in the following courses:

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

Note: A minimum cumulative GPA of 80% is a must-have for inclusion in the resume book, while a minimum GPA of 80% in all above courses is a criterion met.

Finance-learning initiative: Demonstrate interest in and aptitude for finance through preparatory courses or self-directed learning.
  • Provide certificates or proof of completion of a minimum of two courses, 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.
  • Professionalism, communication, and work ethic will be continuously evaluated through student participation and interactions in the program.
  • 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.
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 their 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.
  • 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
  • Attend at least two Company Recruitment Sessions organized by the BCC.
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.

Interview Preparation Support from IB-AP

Students who qualify for the IB-AP Resume Book receive targeted interview preparation to help them succeed in the competitive investment banking recruitment process:

  • Instructor-led Technical Training
    In January, students participate in mandatory online sessions delivered by Training the Street.
  • 1-on-1 Mock Interviews
    Between January and March, students complete a mandatory mock interview with a finance professional through Wall Street Oasis. These sessions simulate real IB interviews and offer actionable feedback.
  • Peer Networking & Knowledge Sharing
    In November, IBAP students are matched with upper-year peers who have secured and/or completed IB summer internships. These conversations offer insights from peers and help build confidence ahead of interviews.

Contact us

If you’re considering a career in investment banking or have questions about the IB-AP program, we encourage you to reach out. Whether you're unsure if the program is the right fit or need guidance on how to strengthen your profile, we’re here to help.

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

Back To Top

Hide Menu

Explore myBCom