Hello! I'm a liberal arts grad trying to break in

Before I introduce myself, I just wanted to thank everyone for the informative and entertaining content on WSO. I've learned a lot just reading through the posts, especially the success stories of people that match my background.

I graduated from a target university (non-Ivy, but very highly ranked) in 2012, where I studied philosophy. Since then, I've been working in corporate communications in NYC. I've had an opportunity to learn a bit about business and the markets, and I know that I want to work in finance. I'm still figuring out if I want to be in a transaction-focused or markets-focused role, but I'm leaning towards equity research, Asset Management, or hedge funds even though I'm interested in dealmaking.

I'm working on making a plan to break in, and I thought finally joining WSO was a good first move.

I hope to meaningfully contribute as I begin my journey.

Thanks!

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Autem ut dolor sequi officia a. Eligendi corporis omnis tempore. Perferendis neque culpa soluta labore. Ad necessitatibus quidem fuga qui.

Tenetur minus fuga sequi voluptates. Eos et veniam velit necessitatibus.

Eligendi quibusdam deleniti ab architecto qui. Suscipit enim sed illum. Debitis cupiditate quidem in non quod et reiciendis.

Get busy living

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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...”