Genuinely, Why IB? Wrapping up SA
Little bit of an early life existential crisis here: Grinded and fortunate (as are most) to get Jr SA internship @ EB/BB. Didn't consider much else - wanted the learning experience and career optionality.
Heard it was monkey work, but figured in and among all that, there were some aspects that required you to think critically about businesses. Now realizing that the majority of the time, you're so short for time that you end up completing tasks without thinking twice about what you're doing or why you're doing it - absent of any reps formulating opinions and developing an investor mindset.
On top of that, I figure that the practice you get with the PPT and XLS monkey work (which is where you spend the majority of your time) will become obsolete - if not because of AI, because of the fact that you will never use them after 4-6 years of promotions.
TL;DR: If you're going to work insane hours, I can see it being worthwhile if it is spent thinking about these companies and listening to the best of the best do so. But it seems to me that these insane hours are spent developing a skillset (PPT/XLS, admin work) that you outgrow within just a few years.
If it's just about collecting a paycheck I get it, but not necessarily worth it for me. Is there anything else out there that might be more analytical out of college, or is this monkey work inherent to every new grad role? Additionally, is there more to be learned in IB analyst years that I'm missing here - maybe a Karate Kid, wax-on, wax-off type of experience?
Investment Banking (IB) is often seen as a "wax-on, wax-off" experience, where the seemingly mundane tasks you perform as an analyst build a foundation for a highly valuable skill set. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s why IB might still be worth it and how to think about your concerns:
1. Learning Curve and Career Optionality
2. Critical Thinking and Business Acumen
3. The Karate Kid Analogy
4. AI and Skill Obsolescence
5. Is There Something More Analytical?
6. Is IB Worth It?
Ultimately, IB is a trade-off. The hours are brutal, and the work can feel monotonous, but the rewards—both financial and professional—are significant. If you’re questioning whether it’s the right fit, take some time to reflect on your long-term goals and what you want to get out of your career.
Sources: Accounting vs Finance: Part 1 – Career Paths, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Confessions of a former second year IB Analyst, First year analyst, still feel incompetent and like I haven’t learned anything, Quit Today
In a similar situation myself and was having the same crisis. The way I've begun to rationalize returning FT is thinking of IB as being a great place to build intangible skills like being detail oriented, learning how to run calls, sell, write emails, a strong work ethic, and generally navigate office politics. I have no interest in doing finance/PE beyond my analyst years but I imagine that I'll be quite competent/credentialed for whatever role I ultimately decide on next
At voluptatem asperiores consequuntur porro. Exercitationem eligendi delectus illo voluptas consequuntur. Neque earum magnam est dolor animi aut. Animi beatae eos accusamus libero commodi officiis perferendis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...