Post-MBA IB exit opps

Question

I'm applying to MBA programs and hoping to recruit for IB. I assume most people aren't telling interviewers/people they meet via networking that their long-term goal is anything but banking, but I'm curious to know the common paths. 
How long does the average post-MBA associate stay in banking, and how many make a career out of it? For those who don't stay, what are the most typical paths (is Corp Dev most common, PE, AM, etc.)?

hominem · Accepted Answer

I keep in touch loosely with 21 associates. If I recall correctly, 10 were promoted. 6 voluntarily quit (when they were A1 or A2). 5 were asked to leave/fired along the way.

Fast forward to today, 18 of the original 21 have exited banking:

Corporate (M&A, biz dev, biz ops, FP&A): 10 
PE (investing role): 2 
PE (non-investing role): 1 
HF/MF: 2 
VC: 1 
Started own biz: 2

I would also not read too much into the PE/HF/VC numbers. Some people had connections. Hope that helps!

SPX · Answer

This is all very helpful, thanks everyone.

As I think through the benefits of post-MBA banking, I'm mostly interested in it because I find the work interesting (prospectively) and I think it'll build a lot of good skillsets.

I'm even more interested in PE though, and while I wasn't just hoping to pursue IB for PE, it's always been confusing to me why a post-MBA IB associate can't do 2 years there, then become a PE associate if they're willing to take the small "demotion". Once they're fine with that, why would a PE fund not want them if they have more experience and pay is the same?

+227	Current and Former UBS Bankers: Do You Regret Joining? Was It Worth It?	42	1d
+150	Beware all those preparing to recruit for '28	43	56m
+56	Any tips for sleeping well?	22	5h
+38	Post-IB Paths (non-buyside)	9	1d
+35	Does making it in IB mean killing your personality?	11	2d
+32	How to be satisfied	23	2d
+30	Weird Question: Would you rather your MD be someone you despise, or someone you love?	3	1d
+27	The Impossible Triangle: Speed, Quality, and Managing Directors	9	5h
+24	Genuine Question: Is Qatalyst overhyped?	11	5d
+24	Background check issue IB Full Time	8	1d

1	redever	99.2
2	Secyh62	99.0
3	kanon	99.0
4	BankonBanking	99.0
5	GameTheory	98.9
6	dosk17	98.9
7	Betsy Massar	98.9
8	DrApeman	98.9
9	CompBanker	98.9
10	Jamoldo	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Post-MBA IB exit opps

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Post-MBA IB exit opps

Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum