IB -> Markets or PE

Currently a 3rd year in IB. Really can’t stand the unpredictable schedule and toxic culture anymore but want to stay in finance for now. Considering PE roles but I don’t love deep modeling / DD and IR isn’t technical enough.

I have always been intrigued by capital markets / S&T roles but never went down that path. Is there a path to moving into a markets role from 2.5 years in IB? Should I be targeting buyside or sellside for the best balance of pay, hours, and culture? Are there particular groups within markets / S&T that would be a natural fit for someone coming from IB?

Conversely, are there firms / roles within PE that offer a similar balance?

Really just trying to figure out what my next step should be because I’m reaching my breaking point at my current role.

1 Comments
 

Eius at dolorum harum exercitationem sit. Eveniet consequatur accusamus dolore quasi nihil quia.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

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

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...”