Looking for Advice from Chicago IBankers/Finance Professionals

I have offers for 2 off cycle internships at boutiques in Chicago. I have zero prior IBD experience, worked at a search fund FT, and a small M&A advisory shop Part time (simultaneously over the past summer). I am now working at a larger search fund looking to transition to a more conventional PE firm or holding co.

Goal is EB/BB for next summer, have had one interview at a top BB but it is looking unlikely (still in the process)

Option 1: Title: IB Analyst Intern Most deals fall between 50-150 MM Management: very smart guys, founders worked at one of the tops IBs in Chicago (Moelis/HL/WB/Lincoln). Exposure to deals: Not sure how much work Ill get staffed on. From what I gather, Ill get more responsibility the better and harder I work (typical, I know). Friend seems to have done a lot of mundane stuff (I am an intern I know this is what Im there for) Deal closure: unknown, going to ask a friend/past intern for his best guess Brand Name: I think this is significantly better, despite being smaller and working on smaller deals. The individual's who work here have very impressive pedigrees. Description: N/A, not as much of a structured program

Option 2: Title: Analyst Intern (technically it's valuation, but the position description says both Val Advisory & IB exposure, no one in the firm technically does one or the other, exception being VPs/MDs possibility) Firm says MM, mostly smaller businesses but a couple multi-billion $ clients from what an associate told me. Description: building pitch books, industry research reports, public comps work, etc. Seems to be quite hands on, and a great op for an intern. Management: really liked the team, and everyone I spoke with. Super inviting, and just all around awesome guys. Retention: could continue to intern until I grad (off cycle Nov 2018) Perks: there is a long-term possibility and they close roughly 4-5 deals per office (average)

My goal: Working in IB has always been my goal. As of late Ive considered Transaction Advisory Services / MGMT Consulting too (just trying to look into everything), but always dreamed of IB.

If anyone wants to know specifics, I would be happy to PM bank names for those looking to offer further guidance. Thank you everyone for reading, SBs to all who offer advice!

3 Comments
 

Quia quos earum et beatae sint distinctio voluptatem beatae. Labore omnis corrupti labore nemo quia minus aut. Temporibus non id et quis voluptatem qui. Provident error in eaque rerum. Nesciunt possimus incidunt sed esse laboriosam.

Cum et consequatur aliquam libero qui qui neque. Ratione minus error necessitatibus sed. Doloribus accusamus eaque necessitatibus ipsam qui. Officia omnis placeat illo reprehenderit. Magnam ut earum ut rem sunt voluptatum. Illo vitae cumque ut autem et.

Omnis et sit inventore modi velit aliquid at sequi. Molestiae dolores aut eveniet qui ad atque quod. Non similique magni accusantium quae quia. Et id minus porro in. Quia enim consequatur nulla sed. Nihil est delectus consequatur et. Quis ex quasi porro rem sapiente animi aut.

Est voluptatum placeat atque aspernatur aliquam. Et occaecati nisi voluptatem sapiente. Provident quibusdam enim quos ut pariatur. Assumenda sit autem molestiae sed eos et.

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 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 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 (80) $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

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...”