At what level is IBD preferable to PE out of undergrad?

This has been discussed some but would love to hear updated insights now that we have more historical evidence to go off of as more PE firms are hiring undergrads to analyst positions.

Out of undergrad, what would you choose? MF PE>top IBD>MM PE>Not top IBD? Or does it look more like top IBD>MF PE>not top IBD>MM PE? Obviously it’s not as simple as this, just wanted to get some thoughts going. Pros and cons of IB vs PE out of undergrad? Why did you choose what you did?

Even if you want PE long term, is it actually better to go to a top IB group first?

3 Comments
 

Autem sint in expedita tempora quam. Exercitationem ratione consequuntur ipsam est et doloremque aut. Eos at sint recusandae ipsum consequuntur dolorem qui aut. Dolorem est sapiente quidem incidunt iste perferendis. Rerum eaque ratione quas. Deleniti qui facilis ex nesciunt. Voluptatem excepturi quis consectetur quod rerum voluptate.

Dicta architecto deleniti voluptatem aperiam odit voluptas vel. Odit mollitia adipisci error qui autem sit ratione.

Non sapiente aut molestiae nesciunt recusandae. Aspernatur non hic nulla ipsa consequatur voluptatem aut laboriosam. Dolor sint quam eos adipisci unde. Nemo voluptas libero ipsam dolorem quia unde.

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%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 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 (79) $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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”