For those who have completed their entry level position or for those who are doing it now. How is it? If you could choose another career would you?
Iβm not very educated about IB and am exploring my options as a high schooler to see what career appeals to me.
| +132 | Hot take: Iβd rather be at Desjardins than UBS for investment banking in 2026 | 20 | 8h |
| +100 | Stop sleeping on UBS - itβs pretty good | 30 | 4h |
| +63 | 2026 VAULT PRESTIGE RANKINGS | 34 | 2h |
| +52 | Hardest interview experiences? | 37 | 8h |
| +43 | AI + Financial Modelling | 16 | 8h |
| +31 | Summer before college | 25 | 2d |
| +26 | Current State of UBS in North America | 8 | 5d |
| +26 | People who work/worked in FIG IB at a BB: does FIG really pigeonhole you as bad as people say? | 5 | 2d |
| +25 | How casual to be with first year analysts? | 11 | 59m |
| +23 | Cold apply for FT recruiting? | 5 | 6d |
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Investment banking at the entry level, typically as an analyst, is often described as a transformative yet grueling experience. Based on the most helpful WSO content, hereβs what you need to know:
Demanding Workload: The hours are long, often exceeding 80-100 hours per week. Tasks include building financial models, creating pitch books, and conducting in-depth company analyses. While the work can be repetitive and intense, it provides unparalleled exposure to high-level financial concepts and real-world applications.
Learning Curve: The learning curve is steep, but the skills you acquireβvaluation, financial modeling, and client interactionβare highly transferable and valued across industries. Many describe it as equivalent to 2-4 years of experience in other roles.
Networking and Exposure: You work closely with smart, driven colleagues and interact with executives at major companies. This builds a strong professional network and opens doors to prestigious exit opportunities like private equity, hedge funds, or corporate strategy roles.
Prestige and Compensation: The name recognition of working at a top-tier bank and the high pay (even at the entry level) are major draws. However, the trade-off is often personal time and well-being.
Mixed Feelings: Many analysts leave after 2-3 years, citing burnout or lack of fulfillment. Some find the work unappealing, describing it as "glorified office work" or "salesmanship." Others, however, value the experience as a stepping stone to their dream careers.
If youβre exploring your options as a high schooler, consider whether youβre drawn to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of IB. Itβs a career that demands resilience and a clear sense of purpose. If youβre unsure, gaining exposure through internships or speaking with professionals in the field can help clarify whether itβs the right path for you.
Sources: Intro to Investment Banking, The Allure of Investment Banking, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Why the hell do people work in NYC/SF IBD?, The Efficient Career Hypothesis: Almost All Jobs Are Priced In
iβm a high schooler interested in the industry aswell, Bump
HE DID IT AGAIN AHAHA
Edit: WBro went through my whole profile and MSβd everything
Youβll fit right in to IB with ur fragile little ego bro
Bro I am not him dude
why are you acting like you didnβt do the same exact thing π€π€π€¨
Who me or him
him
Did either of you think about searching for, and reading, the countless threads that are made like this?
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