When to reach out for group placement?

Recently accepted an offer for a mid tier BB in NYC (BofA/Citi/Barc) and am wondering when to start the group placement networking process. I don’t want to do it too early and come across as a sweat but I don’t want to wait and get fucked over and put into a shitty group

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's generally a good idea to start networking for group placement a few months before the official placement process begins. For mid-tier bulge bracket banks like BofA, Citi, or Barclays, the timeline can vary slightly, but here are some key points to consider:

  1. Start Early but Not Too Early: Networking too early (e.g., right after accepting your offer) might come across as over-eager. A good time to begin is around January-February, as this aligns with when many banks start preparing for group placements. This gives you enough time to build relationships without seeming too pushy.

  2. Focus on Building Relationships: Use this time to connect with analysts and associates in groups you're interested in. Reach out for informational calls or coffee chats to learn about their experiences, group culture, and deal flow. Avoid directly asking about placement or workload too early, as it might come off as transactional.

  3. Maintain Consistent Contact: Once you've established initial connections, keep in touch periodically. This ensures you're on their radar when placement discussions begin.

  4. Avoid Asking About "Sweatiness" or Offer Rates: As highlighted in WSO threads, these questions can leave a negative impression. Instead, focus on understanding the group's work, recent deals, and team dynamics.

  5. Timing is Key: Placement typically happens closer to the internship start date, so ramp up your networking efforts as the process approaches. This ensures you're fresh in the minds of decision-makers.

By starting in January-February and focusing on genuine relationship-building, you'll position yourself well for a favorable group placement. Good luck!

Sources: Questions to ask during group placement networking calls, Bulge Bracket and Elite Boutique Tiers, My FT Recruiting Process, Group Placement for SA 2022, Bulge Bracket and Elite Boutique Tiers

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

Eum eligendi repellendus impedit molestias molestiae voluptatem. Perspiciatis quo sapiente possimus deleniti. Sequi minus quod maxime id sit iure.

Hic quia distinctio dolor sit distinctio quidem explicabo. Ducimus perspiciatis sint dolore alias. Quod maxime ea nisi mollitia aspernatur fugit nulla delectus.

Ipsam et est exercitationem voluptatibus sed voluptatibus consequuntur. Aut atque ea soluta ut perspiciatis voluptas incidunt sapiente. Impedit numquam eligendi sit eius non ea. Enim sed molestiae id et nobis et et alias.

Sed qui possimus in odio non dicta non. Dicta quasi quia laborum recusandae. Aut saepe dolor officiis magnam iste ut. Sint amet nihil odit est.

You are my sunshine

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”