What will FT Recruiting look like this year?

Given current market conditions and the likely scenario of low return offers for SAs this year, is it safe to assume that FT recruiting will basically be non-existent this year? If so, what should SAs who don't receive a return offer do? 

BTW, by FT recruiting, I'm specifically referring to entry level analyst programs for graduating college seniors (not experienced hires). 

Thanks!

11 Comments
 

This has been getting asked a lot and it’s in many of our heads I’m sure including the question of return offer rates this year…

 
Most Helpful

Wouldn't call low return rates a "likely scenario" first of all... a lot of the talk about that on here is just nervous interns who are getting scared by Bloomberg headlines, not from people on recruiting teams. The market has little impact on cheap analysts/interns, especially given the last 2 years when banks were incredibly understaffed and couldn't do anything about it, they're not trying to shoot themselves in the foot by having a tiny class next year. I'd be far more nervous interning at a tech firm or startup right now, IB is not that sensitive to recessions. Bonuses will be down (from a legit all-time record...) but this is simply not the first market downturn.

Second of all, there will always be FT spots. People will change banks, groups, decide they hate IB and consulting is the greatest thing ever... the acceptance rate is simply not 100%. This is where you need a strong network to keep you in the loop of where these spots are.

Finally, it's like week 3 of the internships. If you haven't performed up to par, admit you were off to a slow start in your midsummer review and commit to work 10x harder - self-awareness and improvement are both good things and can save your return offer. If you messed up somehow, you have time to make up for it. If you are just anxious, focus on doing well and the things you can control, not by spending your weekend worrying about FT recruiting. 

 

Wouldn't call low return rates a "likely scenario" first of all... a lot of the talk about that on here is just nervous interns who are getting scared by Bloomberg headlines, not from people on recruiting teams. The market has little impact on cheap analysts/interns, especially given the last 2 years when banks were incredibly understaffed and couldn't do anything about it, they're not trying to shoot themselves in the foot by having a tiny class next year. I'd be far more nervous interning at a tech firm or startup right now, IB is not that sensitive to recessions. Bonuses will be down (from a legit all-time record...) but this is simply not the first market 

I don’t know. Analysts got crushed in the 01/02 tech bubble bursting. My cousin was the only analyst in his M&A group at a top NY BB who didn’t get laid off. I visited his office when I went out for a super day, and his whole floor was empty at 5pm. It was so strange. 

 

Adipisci autem architecto ab rerum impedit error totam. Nihil ratione velit voluptatibus nam corrupti. Maiores et labore ratione ducimus nesciunt. Distinctio consequatur ratione quas occaecati eos consequatur qui commodi.

Repellendus est qui magni eos eos repellendus. Velit temporibus sequi iusto velit vel. Ab suscipit voluptates quod doloribus. Voluptatem eos consequuntur sunt praesentium non sint quia. Velit est necessitatibus cupiditate.

Non facere quo quidem quia sint. Consequatur aut vel eum dolor enim soluta ratione nulla. At rem nihil dolorem est praesentium. Tempore quia voluptas tempora dolores nulla cum. Saepe aut reprehenderit expedita fugiat neque. Cupiditate dolorum praesentium fugit deserunt repellat.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”