Q&A: Non-Target Former Investment Banking Associate now on Buyside

Hey WSO Community,

Starting up a new thread here to share my story as a non-target student to bank examiner to Big 4 to finally landing an IB role. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Background

  • Non-target school in the NY Metro Area with non-existent IB presence
  • No IB internships, therefore started career as a bank examiner (*yes it was as painful as it sounds*)
  • Moved into Big 4 then IB before landing current buyside role

WSO Mentors

Do you want a 1 on 1 mentoring session with me? Here's my mentor profile - click here.

WSO Podcast:

Member @Wallstreet18 had no clue what investment banking even was when he graduated from his non-target MBA program in 2010. Learn how he was able to pivot into the Big4 Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) group and then lateral to a middle market investment bank. What each transition was like and why he actually craved more hours.

Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | All WSO Podcasts

***Free WSO shirt given out to one reviewer for each episode released! Leave Review Here

Look forward to answering your questions

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

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  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

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  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

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  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
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Total Avg Compensation

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notes
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