are these career routes possible?

So I'm currently stuck choosing a career....I've nailed down that I would either like to do wealth management (priv or inst) or PE

I've done some reading and come up with these possible routes towards my goals, please let me know if I've misinterpreted them and the likelihood of fruition

Background: First year MBA student with a regional commercial banking ($25+ MM rev annual) internship lined up Certifications Considering: CFA or CFP

1) Route to WM - CB (5 -10 years) ----> in that time, sit for CFA/CFP, test dependent on what I decide to do ---> WM role 2) Route to PE - CB ----> CFA ----> boutique PE firm

I realize CB is kinda child's play, but the program is highly touted with a strong regional and it bases its program on underwriting of larger than average firms. The analytic skills behind underwriting can be translated to PE...I would only be short on the hands-on portion of responsibilities. WM is more my thing, but there's more of a disconnect from CB there. I'm currently applying/networking for a PWM internship for a BB.

6 Comments
 

While I agree that CB can be a good route for some, I think you would have a better chance of getting into PE from IB or even consulting. If you really want to do PWM, then go for that, route 1 sounds good but if you want to go PE I think it would be a good idea to try for IB.

XX
 
Best Response

CFA def helps with wealth management. If you look at investor roles at JPM PB and GS PWM, you will see a number of CFAs. I am not saying that you will use the skills you learned with the CFA as a WM professional at JPM and GS, but in terms of getting in the door it will help a lot.

Also, don't sell yourself short in terms of the skills you learn in commercial banking. Solid credit training can lend itself (pun intended) to careers in IB and PE. I have seen many people go from CB to IB.

 
tan86CFA def helps with wealth management. If you look at investor roles at JPM PB and GS PWM, you will see a number of CFAs. I am not saying that you will use the skills you learned with the CFA as a WM professional at JPM and GS, but in terms of getting in the door it will help a lot.

Also, don't sell yourself short in terms of the skills you learn in commercial banking. Solid credit training can lend itself (pun intended) to careers in IB and PE. I have seen many people go from CB to IB.

what's typical length of experience before I'm best prepared for a transition to IB and when I'll be seriously considered for IB?

 

Earum nulla molestiae et dolores mollitia ullam hic odio. Quia repellat in quibusdam voluptas quaerat commodi. Saepe non assumenda nulla officiis.

Modi molestias perspiciatis dolore optio et. Ea et eos mollitia quibusdam laboriosam qui velit. Dolores assumenda fugit error vitae maiores ea sed.

Provident beatae quidem consequatur voluptates ratione eius. Et provident omnis et ex culpa beatae omnis quo. Dolores nihil aliquam est ex eaque. Quod et sint qui illum voluptatum necessitatibus quisquam quam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (49) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”