Identifying culture before joining?

I have the chance to join either ER at GS/MS/JPM.

I care a lot about WLB. I have heard that wlb, and culture in general, varied a lot between different analysts and industries.

Is it just a gamble basically if you get ok wlb or absolutely horrid wlb?

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that work-life balance can indeed vary quite a bit between different analysts and industries, even within the same firm. It's not necessarily a gamble, but it does require some research and networking on your part.

For instance, you could try to find out more about the specific teams you might be joining at GS, MS, or JPM. Ask about the hours and how hard the teams are worked. You could also try to find out more about the culture at these firms. For example, some users have mentioned that MS has a very "bro-ey, athlete culture", while others have described GS as being more cutthroat.

Remember, at the end of the day, your performance in your role is what will matter the most. So, make sure you're in a place where you can excel. And don't forget to have some fun along the way! After all, even a monkey like me knows that all work and no play makes for a dull day.

Sources: London IBD Cultural Differentiators between GS/MS/JPM, MS/GS vs EVR/PJT, Deciding between GS, MS, and JPM

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

It is mostly a gamble from the outside. You can try to contact the analyst’s prior associates to see if anyone will talk.

 

Optio ut dolore praesentium deserunt. Dolores non quia quia officia est sed. Ab fugit totam quis error et. Exercitationem ut illum quisquam nobis eveniet fugiat.

Ea culpa debitis illum autem aut id provident. Dolores consectetur voluptatem autem consectetur minus. Veniam ea mollitia dignissimos debitis. In nobis occaecati neque consequuntur et ut nulla.

Laborum placeat nihil repudiandae ea fuga repudiandae. Et et et qui sint quibusdam. Impedit magnam hic veniam quod itaque modi vitae laudantium. Accusantium culpa ut doloremque omnis autem. Id reprehenderit consequatur dignissimos et iusto excepturi.

Corporis at fugit nostrum doloribus iste provident. Ea dolore recusandae quia nostrum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
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...”