I graduated from an economics school in the US, and I have to admit it is not very well known. Although, I have an excellent GPA (and believe it was hard to achieve), substantial work experience in industry and government. It has been purely consulting on several multi-$m projects. I analysed and provided recommendations in the form of reports and the like. But, the sole fact that my university is not on the international radar.........is that going to hold me back?? There is really nothing I can do to upgrade my university's reputation.

You must realize that in the US, there are literally thousands of Ivy League grads each year, and that statistically, these men and women are simply more intelligent, more refined, and more motivated. However, there are also thousands of kids from non-Ivys that are equally intelligent, refined, and motivated with tremendous potential and experience. Maybe their parents didn't have the money for prep school or top colleges, but that doesn't diminish the talents of their children. I would say that you should network to the fullest possible extent. Go onto websites and find email addresses of HR reps, ask for informational (non job) interviews with consultants, goto top universities when they have career fairs and introduce yourself to the firms, and simply never give up. If this doesn't work, expand your education with a masters in econ or finance. If this requires a post-bac or additional courses to get into the grad program, so be it. Look long-term and never give up.