Junior Accounting Major lost on what I want to do

I'm a junior accounting major at a large state school looking into finance career options. I have a strong GPA, leadership positions in extracurriculars, and am a TA. After a few informational interviews with bankers this spring, I'm now thinking I should try to get into a banking role instead of my original plan of big 4 audit. This is largely due to my belief that banking is more interesting and the people there are so driven. I loved being at the bank surrounded by smart, hard working people. One option is to get into an advisory position at the big4 and work on transaction services there and try to move over in the future. I plan to get my masters degree in accounting as well, so I want to intern next summer. The reason for the masters in accounting is because it will be relevant and I will also have a safety net if something goes wrong. I feel that if I don't take the higher risk option of going for a banking job, I'd regret it later in life. I'm used to playing things the safe way and I realize that isn't always what makes me happy.

Anyways, I was hoping for advice on how to figure out how I should go about this. I have interviews with the big4 and some local finance firms for summer positions. Thank you

8 Comments
 

Since you're already a junior, your chances of securing an IB gig before graduation are slim at best. Your best bet would be to work in big 4 audit for a couple of years and break into IB through an M7 MBA program.

To infinity... and beyond!
 

What about if I do a valuation internship this summer, then go for a summer analyst position in IB next summer, then do MAcc, then full time IB?

 

Omnis quia quia quasi et libero aliquid culpa. Voluptas et et fugit in sed.

Commodi accusamus sed consequuntur sed ipsam voluptatem explicabo. Provident iure atque officiis magnam. Voluptatem quae ipsum quia adipisci dolore rerum non.

Dolor ut vel quis iusto dolor laudantium et odit. Praesentium molestias quia voluptas ipsa in unde. Facilis accusantium inventore quas nostrum et repellat praesentium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (68) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”