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Queen's University Investment Banking Placement (2026)
Smith School of Business
Top Bank Placements
Overview
Queen's University's Smith School of Business is the #2 feeder into Canadian investment banking, rivaling Ivey for top placements. Smith Commerce is a highly selective program (~450 students) that produces technically skilled, ambitious graduates. The school's Kingston location fosters a tight-knit community with intense school spirit that translates to an exceptionally loyal alumni network in banking. Queen's and Ivey together dominate Canadian IB recruiting, with both schools sending large cohorts to every major bank. Smith's finance specialization provides excellent technical training, and the school's internship program creates early connections with banks. The Queen's alumni network in Bay Street (Toronto's financial district) is among the deepest in Canada.
Placement Details
Queen's places strongly across all major Canadian banks. RBC Capital Markets, TD Securities, BMO Capital Markets, and CIBC each hire significant Queen's cohorts. Scotiabank and National Bank also recruit. US banks including Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan hire Queen's graduates for Toronto and NYC roles. Placement spans all major IB products and industries, with strength in M&A and equity capital markets.
Key Programs & Clubs
Programs
- Smith Commerce (BCom)
- Smith Finance Specialization
- Economics
IB Clubs
- Queen's Investment Banking Club
- Queen's Finance Association
- Queen's Capital Markets Association
Recruiting Process
Smith's Career Advancement Centre provides dedicated IB support. The IB Club runs comprehensive training. Banks present in Kingston starting in September. Canadian recruiting timeline applies. Toronto networking events are organized. Queen's arranges Bay Street career treks. The school's co-op/internship options provide early banking experience.
Tips for Queen's Students
Smith Commerce is the essential pathway. Join the IB Club early for structured preparation. The Queen's alumni network on Bay Street is your biggest advantage—leverage it. Finance specialization provides the strongest technical preparation. Consider both Canadian Big Five and US banks. Queen's school spirit and community extend to Wall Street—embrace the culture. An 80%+ average is competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Queen's compare to Ivey for IB?
Both are top-tier for Canadian IB. Ivey places slightly more into Canadian banks by total volume, while Queen's is very competitive. For US bank placement, they're comparable. The choice often comes down to learning style (case-based at Ivey vs. lecture-based at Queen's).
Is the Kingston location a disadvantage?
Minor inconvenience for Toronto networking, but Queen's has adapted well with organized career treks and virtual events. The tight-knit Kingston community creates stronger alumni bonds that pay dividends in recruiting.
Can I work on Bay Street from Queen's?
Absolutely. Queen's is one of the top 2-3 feeders into Bay Street IB. RBC, TD, BMO, and CIBC all hire large Queen's cohorts. The pathway is well-established and heavily supported by the school.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026