Couple of Ibank Job Questions

Hi guys,

I'm entering Kellogg's MBA program starting next year (i.e. I'll be class of '09). My background includes a crappy undergrad GPA (3.15, I started a software consultancy instead of going to classes) at a top engineering school, an awesome GMAT score (770), a couple of jobs in software engineering and some startup work; I also hold a couple software-related patents. You'll note that there's zero finance-related stuff there, but lots of quantitative stuff.

I'm investigating going into I-banking or Asset Management and I've got a couple questions:

  • How hard is it to get an associate position at an office other than NY for BB firms? I'm thinking particularly SF or Chicago. Is the competition much more/less intense? What about prospects for advancement 5 years later if I'm still not on Wall Street?
  • Is my lack of analyst/finance-related job experience a major problem?
  • Is the fact that I'm going to Kellogg, which is known for marketing rather than finance, a major problem?

Thanks for your advice

2 Comments
 
Best Response

1) It is a bit tougher to get SF than NY in my opinion. There are just so few slots and a decent number of people who want those positions, especially people going to school in California. I think you'll have an easier time with Chicago obviously. When you say "not on wall street" do you mean not working in NY? As I've heard the expression, most people refer to working at an ibank as "being on wall st" regardless of location, so let me say that if you do well, the promotion schedule won't be different at a regional office.

2) Could be a bit of a problem, though Associates come from all different backgrounds. I would say about 1/2 have direct finance experience (at least at GS). Wouldn't worry too much about it - may make it easier to play into a Menlo Park / SF tech office.

3) I know bankers who did Kellogg - granted the ones that come to mind had military backgrounds which GS loves, but people from Kellogg will get hired into Ibanking this year, hope it you.

 

Ex quod sed voluptas vel asperiores est. At nostrum eum beatae. Ex maxime quia ut minus harum ad at. Similique ipsum doloribus deserunt temporibus quia nihil et.

Dolorem sit recusandae ut occaecati et hic ad. Amet maiores omnis facilis pariatur. Quibusdam animi et architecto recusandae aliquid magni debitis. Fugit quis expedita ut aperiam saepe.

Ea similique nihil cumque deleniti est eos. Quos quis eveniet enim reiciendis. Reiciendis sit molestiae architecto. In vel totam consequatur ut ut quia est perferendis. Rem minima quis voluptatem dolorem et delectus et. Maiores eum velit qui maiores corrupti accusamus animi.

Ratione ab et provident ratione facilis reprehenderit dicta quaerat. Ut aliquid voluptates maxime eligendi.

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%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 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 (79) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”