MBA Associate at the 2 year mark looking to exit...any opportunities other than corp dev or long shot PE?

Title says it all, two years in and looking to exit banking. Think the odds of landing a PE gig as an MBA associate in this environment are slim to none, so just trying to figure out what some of my exit opportunites are. Any other options decent options aside from corp dev? Comp ranges would be super helpful as well. Thanks in advance!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, if you're an MBA Associate looking to exit banking after two years, there are several paths you might consider beyond corporate development or private equity. Here are some potential exit opportunities:

  1. Join a Hedge Fund: Transitioning to a hedge fund can be a viable option. While the roles might be more focused on trading or research rather than direct deal-making, they can offer competitive compensation, often comparable to or exceeding that of PE roles.

  2. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Roles in FP&A at large corporations are another common exit path. These positions involve budgeting, forecasting, and supporting executive decision-making with financial data. Compensation can vary widely depending on the company and location but generally offers a good work-life balance compared to banking.

  3. Venture Capital: If you're interested in earlier-stage investments, venture capital might be appealing. This path is more common if you have a strong network in the startup ecosystem or experience in a specific technology sector. Compensation in VC can vary significantly, with a considerable portion sometimes coming from carried interest.

  4. Strategic Planning Roles: These roles typically exist within larger companies and involve long-term business planning and competitive strategy. They can be a good fit if you enjoy more high-level, strategic thinking.

  5. Entrepreneurship: Starting your own business or joining a startup in a leadership role can be a drastic change but rewarding. Compensation can be highly variable, but the potential for equity in a growing business is an attractive draw for many.

  6. Management Consulting: Returning to or entering the consulting industry, especially with a strategy focus, can leverage your analytical skills and understanding of business operations. Consulting firms often value the experience gained in investment banking.

Each of these paths has different requirements in terms of skills, interests, and the kind of lifestyle you are seeking. Compensation will vary widely based on the industry, role, and geographic location, but many of these options can offer six-figure salaries with varying degrees of bonus structures.

Sources: Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, The Other Road: Corporate Development Associate Fielding Questions, Post MBA-Associate Roles: As bad as People Say?, What is the point of doing private equity if you will be pushed out after two years to get an MBA?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Funniest

Optio ratione praesentium non voluptatem. Ipsa quibusdam iste aliquam iure voluptatum ipsam. Non unde culpa occaecati sed. Et repellendus facere numquam reiciendis cupiditate. Doloremque exercitationem sint porro eum laudantium ut omnis. Inventore quam dolor quia sed doloribus id vel. Id ut suscipit autem harum vel qui ut.

Fugit error ab perspiciatis. Et et quae quis aut veniam. Sequi voluptatibus suscipit ut necessitatibus.

Ducimus non amet asperiores voluptatem eveniet. Officia delectus omnis laborum qui. Necessitatibus aut dicta sapiente eum itaque et. Ea architecto repudiandae molestias illo nam suscipit facere. Nihil dolorem velit et vel rem excepturi dolores asperiores. Assumenda voluptatem et dolores voluptatem ea quos ut. Ratione optio et unde sint.

Tempore aut molestias sed saepe veniam facilis. Non voluptatem est vel cum sit voluptatem qui. Voluptatibus error assumenda architecto ea.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.6%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (70) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”