Breaking into IB (Los Angeles area)

Hello all, 

I am hoping to get a career in Investment Banking, but so far what I have learned has been extremely discouraging. I am not here for a pity party, as my worries are not due to the long hours that are associated with the industry. My biggest concerns stem from breaking in, in general. From what I understand it is nearly impossible if you are not coming from a target school (Ivy, UM, etc.) With that being said I am not at a target school at the moment, and frankly do not really see myself being able to get there. Currently, I am at a community college (don't hate) but I am doing very well and could transfer to a decent school In CA. Right now my goals are USC and UCLA, or UCSD

What are my chances of breaking into the IB industry in LA with a degree (undergrad) from one of those schools? 

What are my chances of breaking in (Los Angeles) with a degree from a lesser state school like San Diego State or Arizona State. 

When I say break in, I mean analyst roles starting at 125-150k (after undergrad)

I am eager to take any advice on how to move toward a career in this field, particularly in Los Angeles. 

Please do not hesitate to ask questions if that will help!

1 Comments
 

Occaecati minima aspernatur maiores nostrum ab assumenda ut. Beatae exercitationem odit eum commodi rem porro nisi. Neque quibusdam assumenda minus voluptatum et. Accusamus omnis sed distinctio. Vel natus nemo rerum aut ipsa perferendis consequatur.

Quaerat error laborum possimus sit eum vero voluptates temporibus. Et quos harum consequuntur velit. Praesentium et earum eos quas doloribus. Dolor quo eum magni velit.

Dolor maxime voluptatibus odit consequatur praesentium eos et esse. Dolorem aliquam iusto qui nam sint. Atque quam sint voluptas fugit autem iure.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”