Accepting an ER role as a stepping stone for IB

Basically what the title says. Coming from outside of the finance industry, is it worth me taking an ER role so that I build more relevant skills then lateral into Investment Banking? IB is my goal. Not sure how long I would need to stay in ER before making the move. Wondering if this is feasible or should I continue to look for IB roles? Also need to mention, I am a couple of years out of undergrad. I know this is an old topic on WSO, but I know 2021 has really changed a lot of the way traditional recruiting is done for IB.

3 Comments
 

It is very easy to go from ER -> IB Coverage for same sector after the 1 year mark. The thing is, if you are at a reputable II ranked group you have equal shot of breaking into AM/HF, work fewer hours, and are less interested in going into IB for marginally better pay. 

I would only recommend using ER as a stepping stone if you are deadset on PE, VC. Since for HF/AM you may honestly have an easier path from research. 

 

Illum laboriosam quia eum harum id. Ad amet ut eveniet minima ut necessitatibus nesciunt. Nemo voluptas voluptas quam omnis et voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 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

October 2026 Investment Banking

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 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

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 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

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...”