Advice: How to break into IB from Government

I'm a former federal government staffer from a couple of financially-relevant agencies, trying to pivot into a transactional role on the Street. Held pretty senior, advisory type roles reporting to principals, but also did a lot of political operational work along the way. Prior to government, I spent a couple of years in MO roles at a BB (ops, compliance, risk). JD/MBA (corporate law, finance focused) from a non-target school.

I realize that the unconventional nature of my background doesn't square with BB recruiting and have focused my IB attention on the MM/Boutique. So far, have had more product conversations on the sell-side but no bites. Honestly been a bit surprised that I've had this much trouble gaining traction... Any suggestions on where a guy like me can fit in?

2 Comments
 

Rerum tempora libero ut fugit. Quos soluta tempore non totam ut voluptates. Nam doloribus quo itaque sit et excepturi enim.

Ipsum rerum et facilis sed. Dolores ea accusamus tempore. Laudantium non magni sunt molestiae perspiciatis.

Aut aut rerum debitis. Eaque molestias vitae totam voluptatem nemo. Sed esse aspernatur voluptas.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”