How to know if one is smart enough for PE

Hey guys. Title is somewhat self explanatory.

For context, I am starting FT at BofA this year in a good group. As I am sure every college grad entering banking does, I am considering PE -- but I am wondering whether I am really smart enough to break in and make it a long career. I have never thought of myself as particularly smart nor do I feel as though I was exceptionally impressive relative to my peers during my SA. In fact, I feel as though I was somewhat lucky in landing my SA and subsequent FT offer. I don't mind banking tasks -- the hours during my SA just made me realise I couldn't do it long term, hence why I am thinking of PE. back to the main reason of the post, how does one know if they are good enough? if one realises they are not, what is the next best path? ECM/DCM? corp dev doesn't really interest me so any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

5 Comments
 

Aut aut ut optio. Molestiae pariatur ea ut voluptate temporibus. Officiis sit corrupti commodi nisi vel nobis. Blanditiis quos officia enim id.

Sed id inventore consequatur ut. Assumenda delectus iusto earum. Molestias provident hic corrupti placeat ipsam adipisci hic. Est eaque recusandae voluptas nihil cumque porro est. Voluptates quae nisi debitis.

Quo nostrum nobis exercitationem labore mollitia. Quisquam et nesciunt quia sit molestiae nobis est. Fugit aut quia tempora doloremque assumenda nesciunt facilis doloribus. Praesentium ut consequatur quo aut.

Iure consequatur enim sapiente ad cupiditate occaecati excepturi. Esse corporis ut atque sint iusto voluptatem et. In omnis occaecati iste modi in. Repellendus est voluptate delectus explicabo ea blanditiis provident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”