IB vs S&T: A lurker's questions

I'm currently a 2nd-year student debating IB (M&A/leveraged finance) vs Trading (Fixed income/FX).
General opinions or targeted advice is welcome, Thanks in advance.

I have lurked on WSO for some time now but have heard contradictory opinions and have a couple questions... :)

I have heard S&T has a higher maths requirement than IB, particularly on Exotics etc. given the advancing nature of AI, within the next 20 years, is there potential for a significant decline in plain Vanilla jobs.. (ie jobs that don't require excessive maths)? I gather IB will probably be less automated...?

I understand team fit and a degree of job satisfaction is essential regardless of pathway with either role. But, if unsure between the two options, to what extent should exit options affect my decision?

For summer internships, is Trading less competitive? Without a network do I stand more chance in trading, I read a very disheartening thread on Quora regarding breaking into IB with little network.

With IB/S&T, is there any desk to avoid (I've gathered that plain equities may be automated soon?)

Given my profile (below), am I likely to have more luck (if any) in S&T/IB... I know this is vague but all criticism welcome.. and yes no work experience is not good ;)

• No network (ie parents = no use) but have tried at Uni... spent many nights at bank events b/ no spring week (only applied for S&T) :(
• UK semi-target BSc, 1st class in year 1,econ/bus course, currently yr2 study abroad (world top 15 Uni)
• AAB A-level (inc. maths @ A, DISAPPOINTED ). 6 AS, Best research report in school
• Ex-national level sport, NO WORK EXPERIENCE, Kangaroo qualifier UKMT etc....

 

I've done both.

I like S&T a LOT more, but if you want to leave banking while staying in finance, IB offers a lot more.

The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
 
Best Response

Eligendi nemo iusto assumenda aut sed. Ratione eaque occaecati nostrum laboriosam voluptatem molestiae. Perspiciatis doloribus totam cum sed eaque sit repellendus omnis.

Perferendis est culpa a corporis quia. Eius recusandae sapiente iure neque natus at praesentium quis. Ratione possimus doloribus suscipit et voluptas molestias aperiam ipsum. Ducimus nemo et ad.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”