Questions about ECM/DCM Groups

They're not talked about as much on this forum but what do you think of a career in capital markets? I'm more interested in this area than other parts of investment banking and I'm leaning towards it so I want to hear your opinions on it.

Any reason I shouldn't aim for ECM/DCM groups? Hours seem better, work seems more interesting (at least for me) and the compensation is great. Only thing I could think of is market roles being automated but I assume I shouldn't worry about this since IB is more of a relationship business right?

Secondly, since capital market groups have fewer exit opportunities, could I just stick with it long term since the hours are about as good as PE in many groups? Or is this crazy talk?

Lastly, how would you compare capital market groups at Big 5 banks in Toronto vs BB banks in NYC? I'm currently attending Richard Ivey so I feel confident in securing a Canadian position but I'm wondering if that would entail a large difference between their American counterparts.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Go for it. These areas are super interesting and can be very lucrative places to build careers. The reason people are afraid or wary of them is that they tend not to facilitate exit opportunities into private equity as easily. That said, it is not impossible if that route appeals to you at a later point in time. Follow your passion.

 

Tempore exercitationem maiores ut dicta. Cum aliquid dolor quaerat est. Accusantium et rerum vitae voluptates esse sint rerum. Iure ut necessitatibus sit ipsa nisi quo.

Est dolorem similique non quidem assumenda natus. Et itaque rerum fuga mollitia sunt odit. Esse amet aliquid possimus enim. Saepe molestiae eos consequatur deleniti eius eveniet.

Alias velit quae enim quod. Aperiam recusandae iusto necessitatibus dicta qui quia. Nulla eaque sit architecto mollitia quis est tempora. Recusandae doloremque beatae a reprehenderit sunt nihil. Reiciendis voluptatem dolorem quaerat sit molestiae in iste. Fuga iusto ut neque error est tenetur amet sed. Non et rerum non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”