Confused about FT Recruiting, and what is worth it to approach?

Looking to get some opinions on this. Will be going to a T2/T3 RX shop from a target and not sure that I'm all that interested in RX, but want to make sure that I'm thinking about re-recruiting for FT correctly and not making a choice that's going to be worse off than my current firm. 

Right now I was thinking for sell-side roles looking at some BBs [GS, MS, JPM] and other boutiques for M&A [EVR, PJT, LAZ, MOE]. I know it's a narrow range but I feel like those are the only ones that would be worth trading up to from what I have right now and just trying for a return offer. Also uncertain about the product group dynamic and recruiting directly into them because part of the reason I had even taken the RX interviews was because I knew RX was generalist. 

As for the buy-side I think I'd prefer that since that's what I'd want to do long-term, but I'm somewhat agnostic when it comes to roles which I know isn't optimal. I could see myself starting in PE or in a pod shop - I've enjoyed stock pitching a lot during college but didn't mind my experience last summer at a small PE firm and thought it was cool to get experience on the operational side. 

I honestly think I could go for either and do pretty well, so am going to apply to the MF programs [WP, SLP, BX, KKR, am I missing any?], as well as MMHF [MLP, CAP, P72]. I'm somewhat prepared with stock pitches on deck already and had prepped PE for SA recruiting and am still comfortable with the content. 

Not sure if I should be applying to stuff like Insight, KKR growth, etc., or if I should be more or less targeted - not sure if it's the same numbers game as SA recruiting was. I'd appreciate any advice from people who've gone through the process of FT, I know it's less structured and can move fast so want to make sure I'm ready since it seems like firms are already opening apps.

1 Comments
 

Aut consectetur inventore doloremque nemo fuga blanditiis minus necessitatibus. Nobis expedita a ipsum et labore quidem voluptatem.

Est quod provident ut officia expedita. Aut excepturi non dicta alias animi ut. Autem temporibus soluta est tempora.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
courses
Elite Modelling Program
We help you thrive in the most prestigious jobs on Wall Street Oasis
testimonials
What Students Say About WSO
We help you land the role or you get free tuition

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 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 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 (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”