non-target Canadian who wants to break into big 5 in US
Hey folks. I am a third-year canadian student who is planning to study for five years (graduating in 2026 Jun). I recently accepted BMO 2024 winter S&T internship. For next year (2025 summer), I would like to recruit for both US and Canada S&T together (specifically focus on big 5 (RBC/TD/Scotia/BMO/CIBC) cuz I assume it will be less challenging compared to BB recruiting).
It would be greatly appreciated if someone could provide some insights on my questions:
- Will it be easier to transition to big 5 S&T in US if I have previous big 5 S&T internship experience in Canada?
- Will the work visa be a problem if I am not a US citizen? Or Canadian is still eligible to apply for US work?
- I have built up a few strong canadian connections from big 5 this year. Will my big 5 connections in Canada help when I apply for US big 5 opportunity? Or I need to rebuild my US connection from the start?
Hey there! Congrats on your BMO S&T internship, that's a great start. Now, let's dive into your questions:
Having a Big Five S&T internship experience in Canada will definitely be beneficial when you're aiming for a similar role in the U.S. It shows you have relevant experience and understand the industry. However, remember that competition can be fierce, so you'll need to leverage that experience effectively in your applications and interviews.
As a Canadian citizen, you're eligible to apply for work in the U.S. However, you will need a work visa. The process can be a bit tricky, but many firms are willing to sponsor visas for the right candidates. It's always a good idea to discuss this with potential employers during the recruitment process.
Your Canadian connections can certainly be helpful, even when applying for opportunities in the U.S. Networking is a powerful tool in the finance industry, and you never know who might have useful contacts or insights. That said, it's also important to build connections in the U.S. market. Start reaching out to professionals in the firms you're interested in, attend networking events, and make use of any alumni networks you may have access to.
Remember, the key to landing a role in the Big Five in the U.S. is to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the industry. Good luck!
Sources: Canada to NYC Lateral, What I've learned so far after 1 yr at a top MBA program (If I could do it over):, Offer Decision Help Needed
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