Preparing for banking as I actively dread it
Hi everyone,
I'm currently a rising sophomore at a semi-target and am at a bit of a crossroads. Frankly, until after Covid happened I was a pretty big bum, and I basically sat around and played video games all day with little ambition. Eventually, I realized that I didn't intend on being a bum forever, and have basically dedicated my life since then to break into banking. I finished high school strong to get into a semi-target, and maintained a 4.0 my freshman year while also securing a PWM internship I'm doing this summer. I've done a lot to set myself up for recruiting season, but I genuinely don't see myself being happy in a high-stress, awful work-balance environment. The reason I chose banking originally is twofold (along with being interested in finance since I was little), one as it's a diving board to better WLB positions, and second because it gave me something to focus on with the early recruiting cycle. That brings me to this summer, where I'm realizing that I'd much rather take a pay cut and do something else much chiller (like PWM...but less client-facing preferably) where I won't be in constant anxiety. I know damn well I don't want to do PE later also. Ironically, jobs like corporate banking and similar cushy spots seem to be something one does after they've been through the crucible of banking. Knowing myself, I genuinely don't think 2 years of stressful 90-hour weeks is appealing to me, just to have the salary eaten up by a HCOL environment. However, every time I consider doing something cushier, I think about all the wasted potential if I had instead just grinded it out for banking. What I'm really seeking is an actually fulfilling and decently well-paying career path in finance that isn't locked behind the IB grindfest, but also doesn't feel like spinning my wheels in college and wasting a pretty expensive semi-target education. If you knew you didn't want to do IB or PE, what would you do out of UG in finance? Would it still be worth doing SA 2026 recruiting regardless?
Based on previous WSO threads, here are some insights and advice for your situation:
Self-Reflection and Career Goals:
Alternative Career Paths:
Recruiting Strategy:
Long-Term Considerations:
Education and Skills:
Networking:
Remember, it's important to find a career path that not only leverages your skills and education but also aligns with your personal values and lifestyle preferences.
Sources: PE isn’t the best way to get into b-school, Would you leave in this situation?, Advice from people who left?, Taking the plunge.. from New Zealand, Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help)
Didn’t really ready past the first sentence but my answer is simple: go into wealth management. Cushier gig (albeit lower initial pay
) and good opportunity to learn and scale your book in later years if you’re good.
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