How to start?

Hi guys, I finally decided to register for WSO . I have a few questions as a newbie regarding financial world and industry as whole, plus investment banking particularly. But little bit about me:

I'm 22 years old, with about 6 years of work experience as a software developer for oil&gas sector ( major oil company in my country). In addition I have special management trainings through my company. I graduated from high-school when I was 16, in-order to get a job, because of the difficult situation in my family. This is why I'm decided to forget about university for a while. I have pretty much self-based knowledge about finance, through the books and training. Maximum, I used them for buying stocks. However, now I'm first year student, at University of Toronto.

I'm thinking about about changing my career path for banking sphere, but quiet not sure about good path for me, because of my background and my age. What I understand from topics here, my age and knowledge might be harmful for IB, because banks prefer fresh graduates, rather than experienced. I'm not planning to pursue MBA. What about other options? I'm also think about consulting or trading, but again, I'm wondering about my background.

I will be very appreciated for any help or opinion!

2 Comments
 

Earum distinctio eos sunt repellendus. Sint eligendi voluptatem dolor porro. Voluptatem temporibus non possimus voluptates et ea praesentium. Adipisci ullam autem ut inventore nihil ullam. Rerum eos harum repellendus maiores delectus iste cum. Occaecati architecto esse corrupti impedit deserunt et facilis eaque.

Omnis minus deleniti quis incidunt in voluptatem aut. Officiis explicabo natus quo. Voluptate ullam libero qui repellendus et quibusdam est est. Eum natus sunt harum nostrum nostrum ut. Magnam earum ea quo odit amet sunt harum. Vel natus et rerum maiores possimus molestiae.

Best university in India Universities in India Top universities in India Private universities in India Best engineering colleges in India Top engineering colleges in India

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 (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (24) $180
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (82) $151
  • 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
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”