Want to go from big 4 FDD -> MM IB. When is the best time to apply?

I just started in FDD out of college and am currently studying for technicals and learning financial modeling. When do I know when a lot of analyst spots will be opening up? I’ve heard March since bonuses are given out then?

Also, are there any good cities to focus on besides New York? Currently in an area where IB isn’t so prevalent so I’d have to relocate.

5,785 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Georgetown McDonough School of Business

Class of '29 Jul 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Mock Interview

“Julius was an excellent mentor and made the mock interview feel both challenging and constructive. He asked realistic investment banking questions and did a great job explaining not only what I could improve, but why certain answers were stronger. His feedback was specific, actionable, and immediately useful, particularly around structuring my responses and communicating my thought process more clearly. I also appreciated how approachable and encouraging he was throughout the session. I came away with several concrete takeaways that I can apply to future interviews, and I would absolutely work with Julius again. ”

SDA Bocconi School of Management

Class of '25 Oct 2026 Cohort

4.70/5

Investment Banking Full Resume Review

“The mentoring sessions were extremely valuable and played an important role in improving both the quality and the overall presentation of my CV. The mentor took the time to go through every single aspect of the document in great detail, providing clear and practical feedback on the content, structure, wording, and overall positioning of my experiences. One of the most valuable aspects of the sessions was the mentor’s ability to understand the specific requirements and expectations of the Investment Banking industry. Rather than simply making general improvements, he carefully reviewed each section of my CV and helped me identify how to better present my academic background, professional experiences, skills, and achievements in a way that is relevant and attractive to Investment Banking recruiters. The mentor also completely restructured the CV, helping me move from an initial version to a polished final format specifically suited to Investment Banking applications. The final result was much more concise, professional, and impactful, while ensuring that the most relevant information was clearly highlighted. His attention to detail was particularly helpful in improving the wording and making each bullet point more focused on achievements and measurable impact. Another aspect I particularly appreciated was his responsiveness. He was extremely quick in answering my questions and providing feedback, which made the entire process very efficient. Whenever I had doubts or needed clarification, I received a prompt and detailed response, allowing me to continuously improve the CV without unnecessary delays. Overall, the mentoring sessions provided significant value and gave me a much clearer understanding of how to position my profile for Investment Banking opportunities. I am very satisfied with the final version of my CV and with the level of guidance and support provided throughout the process. I would highly recommend this mentoring experience to anyone looking to strengthen their CV and prepare it effectively for a career in Investment Banking.”

See All 10,803 WSO Academy Reviews

1 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

O

4y

Pariatur atque vel repellat tenetur provident sit velit. Id recusandae est similique aut natus beatae illum aut. Veritatis iste dolor quasi sit deserunt eum. Fugit dolorem est eos velit ducimus aliquam eius. Vero temporibus qui earum et nemo. Aut quam quo fuga fugiat ex odit. Omnis aut totam laboriosam blanditiis.

Qui omnis et recusandae corporis eaque modi harum totam. Iste incidunt voluptas sunt quibusdam et. Non nemo magni et est natus aliquam. Sit deserunt itaque iure eos vero et. Dicta minus minima aut est ut aliquam eius.

Commodi voluptate quia qui magnam nihil. Vel et facilis debitis maiores. Aperiam vero et reiciendis cum illo numquam.

Eligendi iusto aut cum modi et cupiditate. Quam voluptatem perspiciatis laborum neque natus minus qui labore. Quae nihil pariatur incidunt illo veritatis. Repudiandae est atque veniam harum voluptas.

+220	Just One More Year	17	9h
+178	Piper Sandler in talks to acquire PWP	75	2h
+124	UBS Appears to be Exploring Sale	19	2d
+90	Paradise Is Paradise	8	14h
+79	Drunk VP. How to manage?	27	1d
+38	How do I take my foot off the gas? (AN1)	4	1d
+38	Lazard US Views 2026/2027	13	1d
+32	M&A is Paradise	1	6d
+27	HR is starting to worry me, do I throw a hail mary during an upcoming chat with an MD?	5	3m
+25	Why did EVR succeed vs GHL or PWP that ended up getting acquired?	8	2m

1	redever	99.2
2	Secyh62	99.0
3	BankonBanking	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	DrApeman	98.9
6	Betsy Massar	98.9
7	dosk17	98.9
8	CompBanker	98.9
9	GameTheory	98.9
10	numi	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Want to go from big 4 FDD -> MM IB. When is the best time to apply?

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Want to go from big 4 FDD -> MM IB. When is the best time to apply?

See All Comments - 100% Free

Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum