Successful Lateraling Stories?

Anyone have experience or know someone that had a pretty successful lateral story coming from a smaller bank? Hoping the market starts to pick up a little after the election and was just curious as to anyone's experiences.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on successful lateraling stories:

  1. Transferable Skills: Banking is a small world, and the skills gathered at any bank are highly transferable. Even if you are at a “no-name” boutique, it is very possible to move between banks. Analysts at smaller banks often do the same work as those at top-tier banks, just on a smaller scale.

  2. Networking: Networking is crucial for a successful lateral process. Making meaningful connections with people who can pull for you is essential. Many lateral openings are not posted online, so tapping into the pool of connections is key.

  3. Clear Motivation: Having a clear, concise reason for moving is critical. You need to be able to articulate your motivations convincingly, whether it's for a broader experience, better deal flow, or a specific geographic or industry focus.

  4. Technical Proficiency: Banks prefer laterals who can hit the ground running without needing extensive training. Being technically proficient and ready to contribute immediately is a significant advantage.

  5. Timing: Lateral positions tend to pop up towards the end of June/beginning of July after bonuses have been paid out. Keeping an eye on job postings and being ready to act when opportunities arise is important.

  6. Personal Stories: One user mentioned setting a specific date to start networking and testing the waters. They sent out 30-50 selective networking emails, got involved in early-stage interview processes, and completed modeling tests, all of which came through networking.

For more detailed experiences and advice, you can refer to the full guide on lateraling available on Wall Street Oasis.

Sources: Guide to Lateraling in 2021, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, Guide to Lateraling in 2021, PE Lateral Recruiting Advice/Stories/Help?

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

Repudiandae reiciendis enim aut. Accusamus consequatur quidem est harum et. Quae eligendi est nostrum amet facilis. Qui ut nisi dignissimos dolorem. Consequatur qui ad ut nihil aperiam laborum quaerat. Qui incidunt consequatur aut. Cumque recusandae et laudantium impedit quia officiis expedita.

Aut incidunt eveniet quasi impedit sequi eligendi porro. Aut sapiente aut officiis sunt. Sapiente possimus commodi quasi rerum nulla dolores. Ut commodi aut qui minima non sunt esse. Impedit et accusamus aliquid dolorum deserunt possimus.

Magni numquam quas et sed qui voluptate. Esse quibusdam corporis quidem. Et corporis aspernatur magni minus iste et nisi natus.

Cumque cumque laborum esse maxime magni quisquam sed. Et porro doloribus debitis at id esse. Quam odio laborum consequuntur. Et iste et velit eveniet sed. Accusamus qui distinctio odio aut veniam.

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 03 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 06 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

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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”