Why is literally everyone trying to get into M&A?

Question

Hi guys, I'm gonna ask perhaps a very stupid question here. I went to a fin networking event before covid at a prestigious school. I would say literally 80% of the graduating class there are going for M&A. coming from a non-corp finance background, I found that really intriguing. I mean sure the pay is great, but you literally gonna work your ass off with literally no life no anything but money. is it really worth it? surely there gotta be something that's why it's so sought after - can yall experts shed some lights from your personal experienece?

captainwolf · Accepted Answer

From the exit opportunity perspective: M&A and Leveraged Finance historically feed the strongest into PE. With that being said, there are some nuances attributed to top groups at respective companies. For example, GS FIG/TMT, etc.

From a learning perspective: Both M&A and Leveraged Finance are modeling-intensive. The modeling elements hit on more broad aspects whereas a coverage group like FIG is much more niche. The exposure gained in these two respective groups provide analysts with a strong learning experience, starting out.

LeonTree · Answer

Very few jobs straight out of a business undergrad give you the early career risk/reward that M&A does. Its really IB & Consulting, with the next best (FLDPs? Big 4 Accounting?) a distant third.

There may be one-off exceptions to this for the superbly well-networked. But anything else better from an exit option standpoint would involve more risk (e.g. founding a startup).

Its a path well trodden for a reason.

SartorialReality · Answer

"Intern in IB - Gen"
From the exit opportunity perspective: M&A and Leveraged Finance historically feed the strongest into PE. With that being said, there are some nuances attributed to top groups at respective companies. For example, GS FIG/TMT, etc.

From a learning perspective: Both M&A and Leveraged Finance are modeling-intensive. The modeling elements hit on more broad aspects whereas a coverage group like FIG is much more niche.

+270	Why UBS Is the Worst Place to Start Your IB Career	42	2h
+220	UBS 2nd Year Analyst Q&A (2026)	41	1d
+137	UBS IB 26Q2 a Disaster! Advisory Revenue Down 23%, Capital MarketsDown 5%	19	5h
+105	What's your craziest "hardo" story?	18	18h
+93	Downfall of Qatalyst	21	16m
+81	Lincoln International Return Offers	26	2h
+57	Wolf of Wall Street vs. Reality: Anyone else feel scammed by the movies?	19	1d
+55	Elite Boutique interview questions	17	2d
+43	so confused about 28 SA timeline	30	1d
+34	Rate my non-target resume	19	21h

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

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Why is literally everyone trying to get into M&A?

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Why is literally everyone trying to get into M&A?

Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum