As some of you may already know, I am a high school kid that knows absolutely nothing about investment banking on any level (hope that made you a bit more happier).
With everything that comes up upon high school graduation, such as parties and all, there is also university planning, and on a more personal side, planning your life. I understand that all of you are already investment bankers, either at the associate level (I doubt there are VPs here, so you guys are the highest on this forum), or just an intern that is a hopeful of actually getting a full time offer once you graduate.
I also understand that some of you, like myself, are just the hopefuls. You are in university and are vying for a shot at investment banking, and you will do anything to get into it; even asking questions on these forums. I believe I am the only high school student on here, and I really appreciate all of you who haven't brushed me off; bryan1 comes to mind. I am not going to university next year because I will be in grade 12, and still have a year left in high school, then it's off to university.
This is more of a personal question, if anything, to the people that work full-time in investment banking that have experienced the lifestyle that comes with it.
I would really be interested in knowing, after everything that you people went through to get in, is it really worth it? After all the nights of studying and worrying about admissions and internships, are you really happy now that you're an investment banker? Or do you still believe that "the grass is greener on the other side" and really believe that your life is going to get better in the end when you move away from investment banking and into F500, PE, HF, or wherever life takes you.
If you had the chance to make another decision, would you, or are you actually happy that you are now an investment banker? Is your life really that much better after all the work you had to put in to get into a field such as IB? Are you happy with your life so far?
The lifestyle is well documented, as you know, and so is the pay. There aren't any secrets. "Worth it" is a personal decision.
Being able to weigh priorities, decide what's important, and live with the consequences is an adult-level decision making skill that you must develop on your own (hope that doesn't sound patronizing - you have my respect for thinking about these things early in life).
Good luck.
I worked very hard throughout college in order to give myself the opportunity to do whatever I wanted afterwards. I ended up choosing banking. Although I have just started, I must say that it is definitely worth it. I can truly say I am happy with my decision and that I wouldn't make any changes (not even the bank I'm at).
As for the question: "Is your life that much better?" This is going to be different for everyone. I don't typically enjoy going out to bars or drinking. I'm learning a ton about things which genuinely interest me and I'm getting paid to do it. Maybe my opinions will change a year in, but for now I am quite happy with what I got.
I also know that had I not made the decision I would be eternally asking myself "what if...?"
Disclaimer: I am not in NYC and my firm doesn't value face time (people go home at 5pm if they are done). Although pay (including bonus) is pretty equivalent to NY level...
I'm assuming you're in Charlotte than?
Compbanker, Wachovia in Charlotte? Or another smaller firm? good for you man, I'm glad to hear that you enjoy it. Getting done at 5 pm is awesome, do you work 40 hours a week?
One thing you need to keep in mind is that the end-game in "life" that you so broadly refer to is not being an investment banking analyst. If you sacrifice the next 5 years of your life for this goal, and you get it, good for you. Just dont expect to be on easy street from there on out.
Once you get that job, you are on a level playing field with people who have done the same thing, and now are in the same position. Now, maybe the best 20% of your analyst class gets those tier 1 PE jobs. So now you are giving up the next 2 years of your life to get THAT job. Once you get that job, you need to bust ass to get into the top Bschool, and so on and so on.
Working hard is great, but being an analyst is not an end goal. You need to enjoy the ride. Its great that you are thinking about these things now, but there are lots of other things to do in college that dont revolve around being an analyst. If you give up everything to get that job, the cycle just repeats. The grass is ALWAYS greener, no matter how good you have it.
FYi, this is coming from a current ambitious analyst who constantly sees the greener grass. Luckily, I did not sacrifice my whole life to get here.
No, I don't work for Wachovia. And no, people aren't leaving at 5pm often at all. My point is that there are firms out there that don't keep you in the office just to keep you in the office. While most nights people stay until at least 11pm, it isn't required like it is at many of the bulge brackets.
I'm trying to help people realize there is a path with banking in it that only involves giving away 90% of your soul, not the entire thing.
very nice posts guys.. wud luv 2 hear more...im a prospective monkey myself
First of all, there are probably only 2 dozen actual bankers here. Secondly, there has been a post on this in the past and so if you use your search button (thread was entitled "Is It Worth It?" I believe), you should be able to find it and get more feedback from there.
compbanker
what path in banking are you referring to that doesnt involve giving away 90% of your soul? working for a smaller bank?
Wow. My advice is to want it, get it, take it, play with it, fondle it, then figure out if you like it or not.
dixm65
i'm also in highschool in the bay area, let me know if you have any questions, pm me.
you have to ignore some of the people on this board, some people here are big buttheads, it's not their faults, it's the industry.
keep your head held high, we're ahead of the game, and everyone here is kind of jealous of having highschool people around. it's like being at a party and all the hot girls are only talking to you, it makes others jealous.
i've been busy. pm me.
you really take yourself too seriously. what've you been busy with, yearbook? bake sales? varsity soccer?
Haha, I enjoy how everyone here absolutely despises high school students that are even remotely interested in their future careers.
Again, you completely miss the point. I think it's commendable you are thinking ahead. But when you come to a board, and can provide nothing in return to the content providers, be respectful and you will be better received.
dixm655, enjoy your high school life and enjoy college. School goes by way too quickly. Most high schoolers don't even know what investment banking is.
As much as some of hate the hours, there is something about ibanking that we love. Oe of my friends said my eyes just started lightinng up when I was talking about work. There is some kinda energy walking onto a trading floor. Having stock quotes and headline news on at all times gives off an energy. I'm pretty sure they don't serve any other practical purpose. Traders have their bloomberg terminals, and the rest of us don't really need to know what the DJIA is at when we head off to the bathroom.
Dixm655, my advice from you is to apply to an american school for college. It definetly opens you up to a lot more opporunities than a school in canada. Study for your SATs now, and start your applications in the fall. The applications are much more important and more time consuming than those in ontario.
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