Is IB/PE easier to break into in Eastern Europe?

I keep hearing that breaking into Investment Banking / Private Equity is much easier in Eastern Europe — even at big names like Morgan Stanley or J.P. Morgan. Is that actually true, or is it just my impression?

It also feels like the whole “target vs. non-target” thing matters less there. So my idea would be: start in Eastern Europe, get the brand and experience, then later move to where most of the action is (London, Milan, etc.).

Also, are the working hours and salary roughly the same as in Western Europe, or is it a completely different lifestyle/compensation level?

What do you think about this strategy?

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