Vanderbilt MsF or MBA from a T15 to get into IB

Graduated from a T30 state school (UCI/UCSD/UCSB) with an 3.9 in an econ degree. Interned in FP&A and now have a FT job in FP&A. I want to break into IB and am evaluating the following options

Vanderbilt MsF Program: About 40% of the class lands IB roles, mostly at middle-market or boutique firms, and I have seen a few break into Wells Fargo. What I do not know is how many people in the class were actually recruiting for banking. If most of them were, a 40% placement rate is not very strong. Program is 9 months so as soon as you get on campus you're recruiting for FT roles the following year.
 

Vandy MsF
Pros: 

- I get to get into banking sooner rather than later and be a sexy finance chad in NYC (kidding)

- Alumni network is pretty solid.

- Would have a shot at PE as an IB analyst

Cons: 

- Placement isn't guaranteed, fighting for one off positions that usually pop up because someone lateraled or just quit.

- mostly MM or boutique placements. Nothing wrong with MM but I don't think I'd want to take 70k debt to place into a boutique

MBA from a T15

Pros:

- Much more structured recruiting at top programs, seems like vast majority of domestic candidates who want it and try get it.

- BB & EB placements 
 

Cons:

- Need to get 2-3 years WE at a minimum, ideal is 4-5, I don't want to work in FP&A for 3 years.

- MBA associate exits are less plentiful

I would appreciate your thoughts and advice, thank you!

0 Comments

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”