Incoming Transaction Services First Year to IBD / PE

I've been reading a lot of the TS threads and haven't come across the answer to my question.

I'm a recent grad from a highly ranked macc program in which I took all MBA finance electives (Modeling/ Valuations, Securities Analysis, Corporate Finance, Corporate Options). I'll be starting in Big 4 TS FDD out of school. I'm interested in MM / IBD / PE in the long term.

I have a pretty extensive finance background outside of my degree (extra curricular's, market knowledge, etc) and will aggressively pursue networking opportunities.

Ive also considered pushing for a transfer into the Corp Fin practice.

Questions: Does the timing difference of starting TS out of school (avoiding 2 years in audit) change the dynamic of pursuing the IBD / PE / MM career paths as opposed to the traditional audit -> TS path?

What is the optimal time horizon for staying in TS FDD before pursuing a internal transfer to Corp Fin or lateral to IBD / PE?

Does that change the types of positions I can pursue or impact the perception as an accountant?

I appreciate any advice you guys have!

8 Comments
 

I thought this would be obvious but here it goes, yes. You will have an advantage over the audit -> TS people because you are already in TS.....

Array
 

Quick question, how did you start in TS straight out of school?, I thought they only take top audit people into TS, as audit is a prereq. for FDD, at least that is what they say at PwC.

 
Best Response

If you're looking to be an IBD analyst, think of it this way:

Scenario A: 2 years in audit ~1 or so years in TS then IBD. You will have 3 (probably more) years of work experience before becoming a 1st year analyst (I don't have proof but I doubt you'd come in as a second year).

Scenario B: ~1,5 years in TS then IBD as first year analyst.

In scenario B, you get to your 'goal' much quicker.

If you're looking to make the move post MBA, then it really doesn't matter as long as you get into a school that recruits for the type of bank you're targeting.

 

Omnis nulla qui eum non enim aliquid aliquam. Sapiente voluptatem similique dolore.

Aperiam labore repellat consequuntur voluptatem qui beatae. Deleniti quae provident vero. Dolore doloribus minima qui.

Aut veniam enim nemo. Qui laudantium officia inventore odio consequatur sint. Quae mollitia excepturi natus tenetur consequatur tempora.

A assumenda quae soluta facilis. Voluptatem ipsum fugit molestiae eos velit. Veniam consectetur et mollitia enim cum qui hic. Placeat nostrum eaque tempore magni. Et eligendi debitis maiores qui aut quibusdam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

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

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”