Breaking into IB

I’ve been v late to break into ib. studying econs & finance @ non target with only internships in accounting sector. Had to be home to deal with family during 2nd yr summer so couldn’t leave home for an internship. So that time, I did a modelling course on m&a bcs I wanted to familiarise myself with the concepts and do something that somehow relates to what an IB analyst does.

I graduate summer24’ and have gotten 2 rejections from off cycles I’ve applied to, after HV & online assesment, no AC invites even.. I’m on the brink of a downward spiral. Need some advise on what else is required for me to do, to venture into IB. How do I know what am I doing wrong? I’d appreciate any insights or advise from you experienced professionals. Im determined to do anything & everything to make it right. Sounds like a try hard, but I think it’s j bcs of situation I’m in?

4 Comments
 

Hey there, I can see you're really determined to break into investment banking, and that's a great start! Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are a few tips:

  1. Networking: This is crucial in the finance industry. Try to connect with professionals in the field, attend finance events, and don't be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn.

  2. GMAT and Graduate School: You mentioned studying for the GMAT and considering a masters in finance. This could be a great way to gain more knowledge and make yourself more attractive to employers.

  3. Interview Skills: Based on a WSO thread, it's not about being special, it's about not making mistakes. Make sure you have some solid teamwork stories and a good reason for why you want to go into IBD and why you're interested in the company you're applying to.

  4. Keep Applying: Don't be discouraged by rejections. Keep applying to different firms and roles. The more applications you send out, the higher your chances of landing an interview.

  5. Self-Reflection: Try to identify any areas where you might be falling short. Are your interview skills up to par? Is your resume as strong as it could be?

Remember, it's a tough industry to break into, but with determination and the right approach, you can make it. Don't give up!

Sources: Law to Investment Banking (One Monkey's How-To Guide), What do you think gave you an edge over the other applicants?, How to break into investment banking for non experienced, What else can I do?

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

At this point it’s almost impossible to break in directly unless it’s ultra LMM, it’s a tough market and plus you have 0 experience. Would try for something like Big4 or commercial banking if even you can land that and then try to lateral 2-3 years on the job

 

Corrupti ea et qui natus ut qui quod. Est qui sit itaque provident nobis non. Hic quasi ea voluptatum dignissimos quia. Officia distinctio alias perspiciatis eveniet.

Aut beatae fuga consequatur similique id hic. Et modi eveniet dolore soluta accusantium dolores. Quam doloremque aperiam tenetur culpa quas corporis. Unde molestiae magnam modi. Autem eum incidunt necessitatibus repellat est. Eos voluptatem vitae quia doloribus voluptatem expedita est. Aut reiciendis aspernatur itaque tenetur ipsam.

 

Quod consectetur ipsam ut animi expedita non. Est quidem a esse sit est. Vel culpa quidem quidem. Ullam voluptas tenetur optio laborum tenetur.

Quia consectetur atque et nihil delectus dignissimos. Voluptatum et doloremque eaque molestias adipisci aperiam non molestias.

Eum distinctio eveniet iure rem sit. Quaerat ratione unde et voluptatibus voluptas molestias odit. Eos repellendus dolorum eaque eaque enim eum laborum. Nam in non voluptas quisquam qui quis laboriosam. Sed voluptatem voluptatem at modi natus et. Dolores voluptas voluptatem veniam voluptas quo. Et aliquam et et adipisci eos quisquam atque.

Ut accusantium sed et atque aut quas eos officiis. Velit omnis qui placeat possimus consequuntur. Atque rerum aliquid quasi fuga debitis. Asperiores perferendis ut dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”