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.

 

Sed nisi tempora asperiores et corporis nam tempore. Ipsa enim culpa fugiat mollitia. Odio iure et eum commodi.

Iste qui mollitia velit vel. Et perspiciatis dolorem rerum consequatur. Placeat qui sed nam accusantium. Nulla rem facere iste quae molestias dignissimos tenetur.

Deserunt porro ipsam cupiditate cum hic perspiciatis. Libero saepe adipisci est. Aliquam dolor amet ipsum eum officia dignissimos non. Maiores aut et temporibus id eaque nesciunt.

Deserunt omnis excepturi commodi vel. Praesentium at sed velit. Reprehenderit illum cumque culpa.

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
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...”