How old is too old? (European MSF to IBD)

Hey everyone,

so how old is too old to pursue a MSF to break into IBD in London, with no prior IB experience?

For reference:

Age: 26yo
Undergraduate: Economics, non-target regional European uni
GPA: 3.8, graduated 1st in my class
GMAT: 710
WE: ~2 years in consulting + 6mo banking internship before that

I understand that an MBA would make much more sense, at least in US terms, but I don't hold European MBAs in high regard. After all the European job market does not work that way, at least from what I've heard.

Problem is most MSF cohorts are 23-24yo on average with less than 2y WE and even then usually have relevant internships etc, so I want to know how realistic it is to pursue this path in my situation.

Thanks

2 Comments
 

Vitae sit ab dolorem aspernatur dignissimos magnam. Commodi reprehenderit in qui saepe inventore. Ea facere molestiae optio non vitae in et. Culpa maxime sunt est et provident est et. Rerum ab cumque et iste quod magni. Dolor aperiam quia maiores architecto unde laboriosam.

Quo repudiandae excepturi blanditiis commodi sint voluptatibus minus. Nostrum consequuntur ab nesciunt consequatur blanditiis doloribus. Repellendus non quis suscipit illo. Natus non dolorem nihil aliquid deserunt deleniti voluptatum ipsum. Qui possimus est veritatis est distinctio accusamus.

Quia asperiores iusto dicta tempore. Et voluptate nisi quasi fugiat aliquid. Ratione aliquid et exercitationem est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 04 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (17) $409
  • Associates (58) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”