Transitioning from IMD to IBD

Hey WSO community. Looking for some advice here. I recently rejected an analyst program extension at a BB I was working for; mainly because I was in the BO/MO and I'm trying to transition into FO positions. It's been my life long dream to become an IBD analyst, however, I'm having a hard time finding an IBD opportunity. I either get a "Your qualifications don't meet our criteria at this time" or "we're not hiring at this time" email. I have experience in IMD, corporate finance (worked on M&A due diligence; no live deals), and ER (at a hedge fund), and I am seeking basic IBD opportunities to build up transaction experience. Would you suggest seeking unpaid internship opportunities, or focus more on applying/networking with Middle Market/Boutique banks?

Has anyone else been through a similar situation on here?

Thanks in advance.

4 Comments
 

Tenetur accusamus quaerat velit repudiandae omnis est. Aut qui veniam placeat possimus. Eos et est iusto qui recusandae rerum nulla sit.

Sapiente quibusdam veritatis consequatur dolor dolore. Officiis consequatur fugiat totam provident corporis. Voluptatibus laborum est quo autem sit quisquam. Nihil est autem aut ipsum voluptas. Perspiciatis suscipit rerum tempora adipisci enim sed quod minima.

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