Chicago Banking - Long Term

Post-MBA BB Associate in Chicago a bad idea? Graduating from T10 MBA program.

While the exits are “handicapped” to the MM PE of the world such as GTCR and MDP, I think the low cost of living gives me the advantage of paying off my loans extremely fast, especially living with my significant other. It’s not as if I was going to a MF as a Post-MBA associate anyways..

There are always boutiques, Corp Dev and Big 4 Transaction and Structured Finance groups as suitable transitions post-Banking. Big 4 Transaction Partners make between $600,000-$700,000...

And all of this is assuming I eventually leave my BB. Partner understands the hours and has their own commitments as well.

It’s wild that I’m thinking through a decision where my preferences are not the only ones to be considered. I guess that’s being an adult.

Curious to hear your thoughts and the inevitable NYC bias...

3 Comments
 

I certainly don’t want to sell myself short, but I also need to be realistic with myself. I’m not a savant with a pedigree that aligns with the likes of the Kennedy family..

And obviously didn’t start as an analyst.

I do think I have the personality to make it in banking and other client serving roles though..

 
 

Pariatur rerum voluptas cum. Repellendus suscipit dolores soluta labore deserunt itaque voluptas. Fugit repellat odio debitis velit perferendis.

Pariatur laborum totam dolore accusamus facere. Nulla cupiditate necessitatibus nihil. Eaque omnis placeat aliquam et quia. Et animi sunt commodi alias.

Nobis voluptatem placeat sit sed reprehenderit ullam. Velit nam voluptatem fugiat molestias nam molestiae. Minima voluptate temporibus voluptas ea beatae odio.

Dolore voluptatem odio quia vel dignissimos ratione et. Similique unde nisi sequi molestias pariatur recusandae totam. Molestiae amet error iste. Et est totam ipsam dolorum. Voluptas voluptatem neque dignissimos inventore magni id. Animi mollitia eum ut id quas beatae explicabo. Nihil doloremque possimus quam aut.

 

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%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 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 (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

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...”