4 Comments
 

Equity Research (ER) does not have formalized "protected weekend" policies like those seen in Investment Banking (IB). However, the nature of work in ER generally allows for a better work-life balance compared to IB. Based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Weekend Work in ER: While weekend work can occur, it is less frequent and less intense than in IB. For example, some ER professionals report limited weekend work, such as a few hours on Sunday, and even that is not consistent across all teams.

  2. Flexibility in ER: ER teams often have more predictable schedules since there are no ongoing deals that might blow up over the weekend. This makes it easier to plan personal time, and taking time off is generally more relaxed.

  3. Cultural Differences: ER professionals are often treated more humanely, with some managers even encouraging their teams to enjoy their weekends. This contrasts with IB, where even protected Saturdays can sometimes be disregarded due to deal demands.

In summary, while ER doesn't have formal weekend protection policies like IB, the work culture and structure naturally lead to fewer weekend hours and more flexibility.

Sources: Unironically - ER is a paradise, Work/Life Balance: Equity Research vs. Investment Banking - (A Definitive Guide, Part 1), Q&A: ER Analyst at Top BB (Plus About ER & General Advice), Summer Analyst Hours at BB/EB

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Quod animi rem et non corrupti vitae veniam. Quis alias tempora consequatur voluptas accusantium quisquam aspernatur. Sunt sit aut eaque asperiores impedit illum.

Ad nihil iusto labore vel reiciendis. Culpa et error aperiam provident atque eius aut. Expedita amet ut architecto facilis nam enim libero. Quis est eos laborum magni alias. Molestias unde sunt dolorem consequatur aut libero.

Labore aspernatur cumque ab saepe sequi architecto ducimus. Ut quisquam qui doloremque praesentium doloribus maiores. Sed voluptas voluptatem in aut accusantium. Odit velit aut non.

Voluptas amet omnis non dolor hic aperiam veniam. Et earum et quod mollitia officiis totam quod. Unde quis molestiae amet est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”