Any regrets before joining IB FT?

As my college years are coming to end soon and FT at an IB seems like my life going forward for the next few years, I want to make the most out of my little time left in college. I was curious if some experienced bankers have any regrets about not doing more before starting FT. Whether that be spending more time with friends, studying less, playing sports, partying or whatever the case may be. I have this feeling that I might be wasting away my time in college by taking things like my studies and career too seriously or maybe I'm wrong and that's what I'm supposed to be doing because the payoff will be rewarding. If there is the perfect balance, what is it? Just curious of some of the experienced folks have some input on some things they would do differently looking back.(Don't mean for this to be depressing post, just trying to gauge thoughts)

9 Comments

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $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

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...”