Should I apply now for summer associate positions (ib) or after career fair ? [London]

So I'm wondering if i should start applying for summer associate straight away or if I should wait until the career fair at my university (UCL) on October 8th.

About my profile: I did my BSc in Economics in Germany, including a semester abroad at Emory University (a top 20 university), graduated within the top 10% and got on the deans list twice. I'm starting my MSc in Economics at UCL in the next 2 weeks. However I only have internship experiences in real estate asset managment, and at one of the BIG 4 in consulting, so no prior IB experience.

Because of this I was wondering if you'd think its smarter to wait and hope to network a bit at the career fair. Talk to some of the people via phone / email after the fair etc.

Whats your input?

3 Comments
 

Tempore quibusdam tempore eum voluptatem expedita sit recusandae vero. Voluptatem corporis sed provident temporibus necessitatibus nesciunt. Iste est culpa numquam ipsam quas amet. Et cumque fugit distinctio rem natus architecto laborum.

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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”