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.
 

Mollitia nihil expedita id odio cum. Minima in suscipit magnam autem rem.

Eligendi perspiciatis dicta ex dolor quam. Ut minus cum nihil repudiandae. Odit cum nam velit id eligendi officia aut. Molestias aut distinctio soluta deserunt.

Eaque ex ab delectus officiis. Eligendi nisi est aut ea neque hic id. Harum incidunt dolores ullam voluptatem. Suscipit eum aspernatur similique qui. Dolorem atque saepe amet qui pariatur aut porro. Maxime quisquam illo voluptas id dignissimos ut ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 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

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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...”