Breaking into IB

Hi Everyone - Thanks for reading.

I know this topic has been answered before, but would love some fresh takes, especially regarding a background that should have no chance in getting an entry level IB role. How would someone in their late 20s with no IB experience break in with no MBA/ similar work exp? Assuming they went to a top 20 undergrad but did not major in business/related fields.

Is it even possible? And believe me, I am not talking about G/MS/Bofa opportunities here. I feel those are virtually impossible. I am talking about the break in roles, LMM, boutiques. Is it even possible without additional education via an MBA or advanced business degree/internship? How would one even start?

Finally, I know one would have to ask themselves why they would want to pursue the path without any exposure. Frankly, I am just wondering if it is possible.


Thanks in advance!

1 Comments
 

Temporibus labore ipsum quibusdam. Vel voluptatem delectus nobis molestiae. Unde quia delectus quidem quae ut aut ut. Soluta aut aspernatur repudiandae labore fuga. Mollitia vel exercitationem autem aliquid molestiae. Quae velit ut ipsam assumenda quos aut et. Laudantium facere autem molestiae laborum.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 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

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • 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 98.9%
  • 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 (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

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...”