Institutional Investing Gig? or more Traditional Route out of College

Hey all, 

Graduating from a target school this spring, and am fortunate to have a few full time options for post grad. One that I'm currently leaning toward is an institutional investing role (FoF style + some direct/co-investments) at a leading E&F. This fund seems to have a truly top-tier rep from people in IR at PE/HFs I've spoken to. Comp is pretty solid, think around just under Street pay for an IB analyst, and the work, people, and culture all seem really great. 

That being said, I'm worried about potentially making this move and limiting career options going forward -- other offers I have are for T2 consulting and merchant banking at a newer firm. I've worked in consulting in the past, so I know what I'd be getting into, both for better and for worse. Re: the banking offer, I think the senior partners at the firm are fantastic, but the firm isn't super established; plus, I'm not sure if banking lifestyle is really for me. 

Down the line, I feel that institutional investing would be a cool career, but it's honestly hard to tell at this point. I'd love to hear any input from someone who may have worked at an E&F or transitioned into / out of an institutional investing role from IB or consulting. Also appreciate any general feedback or advice! Thanks guys. 

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Laboriosam mollitia tempora labore omnis deserunt. Nemo tempora quia quis officia voluptatem quod at. Minima voluptatem distinctio sunt perspiciatis quidem non quia quibusdam. Voluptates impedit est fugiat.

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...”