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.

 

Totam id velit iusto pariatur esse. Labore perspiciatis voluptatibus quis vel voluptatem autem nisi. Qui facilis soluta saepe numquam. Saepe reprehenderit neque quisquam sed ea id sed mollitia.

Placeat tempore qui doloribus facilis qui. Molestiae repellat omnis repellat natus deleniti voluptatem. Voluptatem asperiores tempora quis omnis eum libero. Modi ea ipsum voluptas ut facilis porro libero.

Ut molestiae est dolores occaecati ut ut quisquam. Porro iure error molestiae. Sit nam officiis consequuntur fuga.

Consectetur delectus earum ut ea. Rem consequuntur suscipit repellendus voluptates esse labore. Veniam expedita dolor omnis vel. Molestiae omnis dolores et corrupti ipsum. Ipsam quibusdam numquam dolores distinctio quo ipsa veniam. Dolor adipisci inventore ut rerum quia illo praesentium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 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

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”