Having modest expectations; ridiculous?

Hi. Investment banking is definitely something I'm interested in, though I'm not particularly keen on working myself to death especially in my best years. It's not something I couldn't do, but it's definitely not top of the list.

Seems like a lot of the people here are dead set on going through the grinder that is "real" IB in say, NYC or London offices. They want the comp, they want the experience. It does seem appealing. I'll say I've been tempted myself.

But for anyone who does read this, I'd like to know: how do you feel about just going for more modest positions and climbing up the ladder there? Even if still in IB, doing it at a less intense, regional shop for example. What I'd do is work for a Nordic shop (happen to live here) and move elsewhere if I get a better opportunity, or stick around if promotions are somewhat steady.

I most definitely don't know what I'm talking about. I'm not studying finance, I'm not in university yet. I'd just like to hear your opinions. 

6 Comments
 

If you're able to land a seat and are able to handle the workload while working out and focusing on having a healthy physique, once you leave you'll basically be set for almost any chill career in your career. You'll know what working under pressure is while also having the discipline to not over eat, drink too much, etc. It's a hard industry but the challenge is worth it if you want the resume credentials. 

 
Most Helpful

I'm not totally sure what kind of response you're looking for. But I'll make two points which may be vaguely useful.

1) You can (*shocked face*) have an interesting, successful, and well-compensated career in IB by working at a "less intense" shop. If you are capable, you will be paid a lot better (at the SENIOR level) as a heavyweight at a smaller shop than a very average banker at a US BB.

Of course, you may be regarded as "less prestigious" by (literal) strangers on internet forums which use ape faeces as de-merits, so there's that to consider. Especially if your self-worth depends somehow on perceived "prestige".

I do think that, all else equal, having a better "brand" on the top of your CV is better than not. But not at the expense of everything else.

2) Intensity depends a LOT on the individual team and bank. Not all teams at US BBs are super intense, and not all teams at mid market regional banks are chill.

 

Deserunt sit vel inventore perspiciatis cupiditate laudantium. Quis quaerat possimus quasi sed iste magnam. Labore aliquam illo quibusdam repellendus.

Quia omnis sed omnis aliquam. Saepe exercitationem sed vero hic architecto quia dolorem commodi. Dolor commodi est id est saepe sapiente. Perspiciatis ullam unde placeat sit et.

Maxime optio magnam cupiditate quia ad. Iste aut laudantium quasi saepe quidem similique. Et sapiente sint distinctio qui nobis explicabo perferendis. Quis corporis repellat soluta impedit dolor sed. Et quia in laudantium. Sit ab corporis qui. Numquam accusantium dolores ut dolorem. Est praesentium error fugit nihil.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • 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 (57) $264
  • 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”