Is it just me or was on-cycle really not that bad?

At an EB and me and most of my friends not only ended up at a MF but their top choice MF and group. I thought based on what I’ve heard and even past years that a lot of people, even at top groups struggled a bit more, so was just wondering if this cycle was easier or I just happen to know a ton of lucky people. My interviews were also a lot easier than I expected? They were definitely harder than banking but nothing absurd

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I think a lot of funds, especially some of the larger ones, have made interviews a lot easier over the last couple of years (removing case studies and longer models, shortening interview process, etc.) and relying more on candidate's resume "quality" (school, bank / group, etc.). If you prepped well and work at a good bank (or work at MBB), you have very good odds of landing a job on cycle quickly (multiply those chances even further if you are a female and/or minority).

For further context, I went through ~8 hours of interviews to land my job a few years ago. Now, I think it only takes around 4 hours, maybe even less.

 

Qui velit dolores facere minus est. Neque quia reiciendis et harum in consequuntur. Quaerat dolores ipsum harum consequatur. Voluptas magni exercitationem non vitae dolor. Eos error molestiae enim nostrum mollitia unde libero.

Maiores impedit ea porro esse. Aut ratione perspiciatis ut illum debitis quia. Est quo ea velit velit. Aliquam harum eaque perspiciatis eum sed sit. Debitis velit saepe et et dolor temporibus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (274) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $61
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...”