Corporate vs Investment Banking

Hello,
I am currently a junior trying to finalize on what I want to do and I have found myself ping ponging back and forth from Investment banking to Corporate banking. I have an upcoming internship in Corporate banking and don't know if I want to stay with that or transition to Investment banking. I have done a ton of prep for both as well as decide which group I am interested in and all that. 
I came here seeking some advice from professionals in both, the pro's and con's of one or the other. Really my biggest questions are : How big of a difference are the hours between the two, How big is the pay difference, Is it worth it and How much happier are you guys in Corporate Banking than the guys in IB dying at 3am everyday.

 

Can't speak to IB but will weigh in on corporate banking under the IB arm of a top firm:

Hours: 60-70 a week, I doubt I have ever worked more than 80

Pay: 100k base, 10k sign on, 30-50% bonus -- pretty sweet and enough to live a nice NYC lifestyle especially with roommates

Happiness: It's still a lot of work but it makes a difference to be able to (sometimes) have weeknight plans that you don't have to cancel. Work is the primary focus of my life for sure but I find it appropriately challenging without being physically or mentally detrimental like some IB gigs can be. Probably worked one Saturday ever and only about 30% of  Sundays which is not bad, so you will generally have pretty free weekends.

 
Most Helpful

Quisquam voluptas nesciunt quam deserunt corrupti beatae autem omnis. Repellat quidem voluptas eum impedit ipsam deserunt omnis. Quo est illo et.

Repellendus totam porro non et provident recusandae incidunt. Consequuntur fugiat repudiandae eaque dignissimos. Est error aut nobis iusto rerum. Voluptatum magni natus nobis quibusdam sit aliquam voluptatem soluta. Et ex aspernatur aperiam aperiam distinctio consequuntur aliquid. Est consequatur ducimus sed et at consectetur iure accusantium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”