BB IB or Tier 1 LO

Currently doing an MBA and was fortunate enough to get offers to a BB IB and Tier 1 LO as a summer MBA intern. I previously worked as an associate at a small AM shop but had no upside so decided to take a career break and pursue an MBA. 

I know Tier 1 LOs are typically considered the 'exit' and wlb is definitely much better than wlb at IB. Tier 1 LOs are also insanely competitive and have a lot less seats than IB, so passing on this option doesn't feel good. On the other hand, IB also has much greater exit opps to PE/HF etc. Trying to make a decision based on future comp, career progression etc. Genuinely not sure which option to choose so would appreciate any thoughts.

9 Comments
 

This is a question that only you can answer. Do you want to do IB with potential exit ops to corporates / PE / HF or do you want to be a long term investor. If you want to be a long term investor, you should do the LO seat (1) those seats don’t come up that often and it’ll be very hard to move from IB to LO at the mid level (2) you’ll be taking a discount to comp for years but over time, you’ll make it up in the long run if it’s a top brand name shop. 

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on BB IB vs a shop like Blue Owl out of undergrad? 

 

Agree with the above, but will say I had a conversation with a blue owl guy in RE, and he was a total ass. Completely unengaged and non passionate about anything. Asked some v basic questions like "why did you choose blue owl" and "what guides and differentiates Blue Owl's investment process vs other firms" and was replied with "cause I got the job through my past coworker" and "Nothing really, BX, Ares, KKR we are all the same"... Like dam bro, at least try and have a conversation if you are going to set up a call, what's the point of even being like that lol

 

Voluptatem iure rem inventore vel repellat minus. Iusto maiores voluptates ipsum magni.

Fuga porro inventore exercitationem vel dolores. Voluptate et sed sunt ipsam at. Quisquam consequatur porro consequatur voluptate eveniet ea aperiam.

Et accusamus porro sunt omnis sed rerum. Consectetur dolor aliquam neque assumenda rerum fuga. Autem fuga minima officia consequatur voluptas.

Soluta rerum excepturi quis recusandae iste quia eos. Velit cum perspiciatis omnis ut itaque.

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 (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 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

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...”