Are exits guaranteed?

No, they depend on performance, deal experience, and networking.

How early should you recruit?

Start building relationships 6 to 9 months before you want to move.

Investment Banking Exit Opportunities Ranked (2025)

Exit opportunities ranked by typical outcomes, skill transfer, and lifestyle trade-offs, with guidance on matching roles to your long-term goals and risk.

How the ranking works

This ranking is based on typical outcomes for analysts: skill transfer, recruiting consistency, and lifestyle trade-offs.

Tiered ranking

Tier	Typical exits	Why it fits
Tier 1	Private Equity, Growth Equity	Direct deal overlap, strong modeling transfer
Tier 2	Corporate Development, Strategy	Transaction exposure, better balance
Tier 3	Hedge Funds, Credit	Markets orientation, research depth
Tier 4	VC, Startups	Network-driven, varies by sector fit

How to choose

Pick a path aligned with your preferred work product.
Talk to alumni in your target outcome by Q1 of analyst year.

See Hours and Lifestyle by Group for the day-to-day realities.