How to begin my career in Investment banking?

Hi, I am new user from Philly. Currently a Master Graduate looking for a job in Finance. I am interested in Boutique Banks, Investment, Private equity and corporate finance. Truly hope to get a job in Philly. I don't remember how I found WSO, but I know it is a right place for me to come. Anyone can share with me that how to begin a career in Investment bank? What kind of must-have skills for a 1st year financial analyst ? Thanks! Ears up!!

5 Comments
 

That is way too wide a career swath and indicates you don't have a great idea what you want. I'd suggest some self reflection to figure out why and what you want. Then target it. IMO, F500 is going to be easier in a smaller city like Philadelphia. Banking is really tough here and you really need to know your shit if you are going to break into this market.

 

Quibusdam dolor quidem dolore aut nihil. Dolorem libero voluptates repellat natus quos nesciunt fugiat.

Enim sed non aperiam molestiae repudiandae facilis. Maiores autem itaque sed accusantium ad aut.

Cum quo rerum rerum est veritatis porro. Ut eum libero aliquam voluptatum quia odio est voluptas. Aspernatur placeat cumque rerum saepe.

Impedit omnis qui accusamus unde qui soluta. Et et tenetur et quia voluptatem. Consectetur a voluptatem commodi. Eum consectetur autem et nobis.

--Death, lighter than a feather; duty, heavier than a mountain

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