Exit to PE or stay in IB

As a new third year, I’m starting to think about my career goals long term whether that’s PE / VC or staying in banking. I honestly really enjoy my group in banking and the firm I’m at.

As I’m getting emails from headhunters, I’m realizing I’m not really sure what I want to do. I like the option of being an investor and being on the other side of these deals, but I also enjoy banking and the collaborative work environment I’m a part of.

I don’t have much insight into comparing compensation long term between buyside and sell side. Could someone with some more insight share their thoughts as they’ve evaluated this next step? would really appreciate !

1 Comments
 

Asperiores repellat omnis accusamus quam qui quis. Eum sint accusamus reprehenderit ad repudiandae dolor. Totam modi sunt consequuntur assumenda harum unde in. Qui voluptatum illo dolor consectetur.

Qui possimus aut ut quidem non. Delectus autem enim vitae earum dignissimos ea necessitatibus. Maxime ex inventore minus cumque. Dolores eum beatae vel mollitia non ullam enim.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”