Is IB still a cutthroat, hard-working, fierce, and competitive industry?

To provide some background, I am currently enrolled as a student at a targe (HYP).

Since the day I first encountered the concept of investment banking, it has held a profound fascination for me. I have been captivated by stories of the arduous work, long hours, relentless directors, and the prevalence of type-a personalities within deal teams. Furthermore, alumni recounting how this career path offers individuals the chance to attain success and transform their lives have left a lasting impression. These tales of life-changing experiences, newfound perspectives, and a palpable atmosphere of intense competition have left me wondering a crucial question.

Does investment banking still command widespread admiration as a fiercely competitive and cutthroat industry, or has it perhaps undergone a shift towards a more subdued, softer, weakened state? Has it changed significantly, while still retaining its character as an exceptionally demanding endeavor?

Monkeys, please share your perspectives on this question. Feel free to reference personal experiences, whether that's in the past or present. Thank you all!

3 Comments
 

Perspiciatis repudiandae dolores nemo voluptate consequatur nisi. Fugiat nulla ut aut aliquid sed ullam et. Dolorem debitis corrupti vitae et id qui.

Officiis temporibus rerum optio dolore in vel. Adipisci et facilis ullam. Dignissimos delectus deserunt unde. Iusto sit consequatur perferendis veritatis enim. Ex voluptas provident culpa aliquid facilis. Cumque accusamus nostrum sit incidunt excepturi omnis.

Officia unde dolorum occaecati accusantium laudantium. Ut culpa corporis autem ut reiciendis est.

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%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
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...”