I WANT TO MOVE OUT OF INTERNAL AUDIT

I just finished my undergrad, and am currently enrolled in a two year rotational program for Internal Audit (4 months in). I feel i may have made a mistake, as i eventually want to move out of IA after the program, and make the jump into the finance world, or anything outside of IA really (graduated with a finance degree). I'm hoping I could get some insight on if this is a possibility or not? or if I should try to get out of the program now and take an entry level job elsewhere? or stick with the program to add value to my resume, then try to make the jump out in two years. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-concerned young professional

9 Comments
 

Enroll in CFA or something similar. It won't guarantee your exit. But if you're in IA, you've likely got time and headspace to digest the materials and it will make getting out easier. Partly because of the knowledge factor, partly because it shows you're willing to do the hard yards to get out of a mistake.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

I'm 28. I actually started in risk advisory (in specialist consulting shops), then moved into a Big4 (initially in Audit, then transferred to advisory/forensic services). After that went to another forensic service shop, then internal audit at companies from entertainment, to insurance and now banking. Regarding educational background, I have Accounting and Business Management degrees, CAMS certified and working towards the CFE. Local equivalent of the CPA also.

 

I know a guy who did Audit 2 years at E&Y and for the last 25 years has worked his way up the financial ladder at an Oil Major FYI.

The 2 years at the big company might give you quite a few exit options after the fact.

 
Best Response

Incidunt et similique qui illum omnis non. Voluptatem quia nam cum ut dicta. Velit delectus tempora aliquam et quis eum. Dolores eveniet voluptas placeat ipsam laboriosam cumque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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

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...”