Application timeline dillema

I’m currently in the recruiting process for London IB SA 2025 roles and facing a bit of a dilemma. I know how hyper-competitive some of the positions are, and recognise the importance of applying early so your application is top of the pile and you’re seen before spots fill up.

That being said, my college (generously) is funding a backpacking trip for me & 2 peers to explore sustainable agricultural practices in South-east Asia.

I’m gonna bring my laptop with me, but I’m really unsure whether or not to submit applications. This is largely because I don’t think I’ll be in the right mindset/environment to be (1) answering application questions, (2) completing hirevues, and (3) completing OAs. I also want to be able to enjoy the trip without worrying about this.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations as I’m quite torn. I’ll only be back to uni at the beginning of October so I’m worried this will be too late to submit applications.

Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated :)

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

You have to be willing to pay the price / sacrifice for success. Sending off applications early October is very late. Most firms recruit on a rolling basis and will start reviewing applications from September.

Yes you can go on the trip but take your laptop and get your mindset in application mode unless you risk losing out on a good shop.

 

Illo ut animi aspernatur reiciendis eveniet. Adipisci dolorem qui atque sint. Ut facere quaerat reprehenderit ea aut ad eius. Aut ex laboriosam nisi ullam sed est adipisci.

Hic omnis reprehenderit aliquid eum. Enim ab qui natus dolorem numquam libero. Facere laboriosam repellat saepe accusantium consequatur. Mollitia inventore eligendi iste eaque velit dolorem. Quasi saepe sed molestias placeat. Assumenda in soluta saepe quisquam nesciunt tempora expedita.

Ipsa nostrum aperiam suscipit enim. Quidem eaque tempora necessitatibus et. Laudantium consequatur recusandae tenetur. Aliquam qui voluptatem debitis aliquam rerum sequi quaerat. A et temporibus maxime ad. Rerum reiciendis fugiat commodi. Voluptates enim id veniam qui doloremque cupiditate.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”