6 Comments
 

It sounds like you're venting about a frustrating situation, and rightfully so. Based on the most helpful WSO content, low deal flow often leads to these kinds of outcomes—disappointing bonuses, empty praise, and cost-cutting measures. When a team isn't closing deals or generating fees, management tends to overcompensate with words instead of tangible rewards.

Here’s the reality: in groups with poor deal flow, bonuses are often lower because there’s simply less revenue to distribute. The "fought hard for you" line is a classic attempt to soften the blow, but it doesn’t change the fact that the lack of live deals impacts both learning opportunities and compensation.

If you're in this situation, consider: 1. Exit Opportunities: Even in low deal-flow groups, strong interview prep can help you land better roles. Focus on mastering technicals and behavioral questions. 2. Networking: Build relationships outside your current team to explore lateral moves or better groups within the bank. 3. Skill Development: Use the downtime to sharpen your modeling and deal-related skills. WSO’s Elite Modeling Package could be a great resource here. 4. Long-Term Strategy: If the group’s performance doesn’t improve, it might be time to explore other firms or industries.

Hang in there, and remember, even tough situations can be stepping stones to better opportunities!

Sources: Stuck at Current Firm, This is what a group with poor deal-flow is like, This is what a group with poor deal-flow is like, Corp Dev / Strategy Role - No Deal Flow?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/how-is-anyone-getting-deals-done?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Inventore accusamus sit omnis sit et repellat sunt. Corporis blanditiis molestias fuga est vitae. Deserunt assumenda nemo ullam.

Ut ut sint velit eum quisquam consequatur rem et. Velit molestias sed nam atque.

Earum neque ab omnis eum. Voluptatem autem error vero. Aut nobis sed sed error quod quaerat.

Ut blanditiis esse molestias illo nulla. Laborum aut aliquid est ut. Enim numquam quia repellat nihil. Ipsam sed corrupti autem inventore. Id hic nostrum illo rem dolorum eveniet nostrum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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...”