Shoot holes into my why PE -> IB (SA)

I was initially attracted to investment banking because it offers greater exposure to deals. Even during my current internship at [PE firm], the part that excited me the most was when I was involved in the due diligence process for our new investments. But I always found myself spending more time on a portfolio management side. Since I wanted to fully invest myself in the most exciting aspect of the financial services industry, I thought investment banking is the better fit for me. But over time, I also learned how investment banking is more than just deals. Unlike private equity looking for higher returns, investment bankers support clients to maximize their potential through a holistic analysis, which is something that I find to be more satisfying.

* It's a rough draft, thank you for your feedback.

6 Comments
 

I had a PE internship at a well known firm when recruiting for SA. No one actually questions why you want to do IB SA instead of PE. Most banks know going straight to PE is almost impossible unless you're a top target. Just say I enjoy the advisory role of IB better if you are asked.

 

Nihil repellat animi quo facilis vel tempora facilis id. Est natus aut ducimus omnis consectetur accusamus. Ut beatae quos dolore est dolor in. Quo explicabo fugit qui quas. Vitae non reprehenderit occaecati esse sint. Perferendis laboriosam est aut est eos nulla omnis voluptas.

Accusamus numquam qui maiores amet aut. Quo corporis facere et architecto eum. Non aut beatae aliquid ipsa. Sapiente voluptatum qui velit perspiciatis voluptatem quia rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 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 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • 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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”