Where to go from here? Feeling lost

Currently at a non-BB balance sheet (MUFG, HSBC, SMBC) type bank working in the corporate banking coversahe team. Get a healthy dose of experience working corporate banking with some IB exposure given the nature of the companies we deal with. I always thought I’d lateral to IB at my bank or at the institutions I’ve been networking heavily at, but I’m slowly starting to realize that I have 0 interest in IB/PE. I feel like my entire life has been dedicated to getting into those roles and I’m just now realizing I don’t really want it, and I’m feeling lost. I enjoy banking, and credit, but I don’t know where to go. I guess maybe move to CB at BB? Idk. Any insights from anyone that hasn’t gone the traditional route?

3 Comments
 

Hey there, it sounds like you're at a crossroads, and that's okay! It's not uncommon to question your path, especially in a field as diverse as finance.

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you have a few options. If you enjoy banking and credit, you might consider roles that allow you to leverage these skills. For instance, positions in Mezzanine, LevFin, Financial Sponsors, Direct Lending, FI trading desk, and Credit Research at an institutional asset management shop could be a good fit.

If you're considering moving to Corporate Banking at a BB, that could also be a viable option. It's been noted that pay and hours worked are not that far off from IB if you are at an FI that has the CB and IB divisions under the same umbrella.

Remember, it's your journey. It's okay to take some time to figure out what you really want. And who knows? You might end up carving out a path that's entirely your own. Keep exploring, keep learning, and you'll find your way.

Sources: Corporate Banking?, corporate development regrets?, IB -> PE -> MBA -> IB -> PE, Stuck in Corporate Banking - Fighting Complacency

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Omnis ut accusamus harum vero possimus. Hic ut sit dolor vel voluptate cum unde. Consequatur animi officia quasi ducimus nulla qui aut aut. At voluptatem est consequatur fugiat quibusdam rem aut.

Repudiandae quis voluptatibus qui exercitationem odio. Quam aspernatur esse est sit. Nulla dolore amet eius laudantium occaecati. Corrupti error dolor qui blanditiis consequuntur. Doloremque qui fugiat ea ab quia at.

Odio neque a incidunt id quos excepturi eos. Ullam et officiis nihil libero quidem corrupti labore et. Aut amet aut sequi maiores omnis nobis. Tempore maxime earum asperiores delectus quia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • 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 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”