I’m still in analyst year, but I’m already thinking about what comes after banking. Not because I hate it, but because I want to be intentional about where this path actually leads. I’ve heard so many different stories—some people transition to tech and love it, others go to PE and say the hours are worse, some say consulting is the move, and a few actually stay in banking and work their way up.
The problem is, I don’t know which questions to ask veterans to actually figure out what the realistic progression looks like. It’s not just “did you like tech?” or “how’s PE treating you?” I need to understand the actual trade-offs, the timing, the types of firms that hire from where I am, and whether my exit strategy should influence what groups I join or what deals I focus on.
I want to map this out early without being locked into a decision. Some people say the groups you work in don’t matter for exits; others say it’s everything. Some say you need to build relationships with tech recruiters or PE sponsors while you’re still in banking; others say that comes later.
How are you all thinking about this? What questions are you asking veterans now that are actually helping you understand the full picture of where banking leads?
You’re asking this at exactly the right time. The cleanest exit paths from banking are to roles where your technical skills and analytical discipline transfer directly. When speaking with veterans, ask specifically: What was their process for building relationships outside of banking? Which groups or desks led most naturally to their exit destination? What skills did they prioritize developing in banking that directly enabled their next role? Critically, ask about rejection and lateral moves—many successful exits involve one failed attempt. Also understand the timeline: exits to tech and startups often happen after analyst year or during associate tenure; PE transitions frequently occur later. Finally, ask which firms actively recruit from banking and whether those relationships developed organically or through deliberate outreach. Your group choice matters less than your ability to demonstrate impact and build relationships outside the firm. Early exploration is prudent, but avoid signaling that you’re transient—you’ll be passed over for high-profile projects if you’re seen as a flight risk.
here’s what actually matters: can you get someone at your target company to take a coffee with you because they know someone at your bank, or because you impressed them at a pitch? that’s it. the group thing is overblown unless you’re going to pe and your group didn’t teach you modeling. tech doesn’t care about your group. startups care even less. what they care about is whether you can think clearly and execute. don’t get stuck optimizing something that doesn’t matter.
wait so ppl get recruited out of banking specifically? i thought u had 2 apply like everyone else lol. guess thats the networking piece
You’re building a smart long-term view! Asking these questions now puts you ahead. Veterans love sharing their journeys—just be genuine in your curiosity!
I talked to a guy who left for a tech company, and he basically said the turning point was that his former analyst class had a group chat, and one of them already worked at this tech firm. That person introduced him to the hiring manager. He didn’t apply cold, didn’t go through a recruiter, just got looped in because of peer relationships. Meanwhile, his group, the specific deals he worked on—none of that mattered. What mattered was knowing someone on the inside. So yeah, figure out who from your class might end up where you want to go.
Career transition data shows that approximately 35-40% of banking exits to tech and 25-30% to consumer-focus PE happen through direct peer or contact referrals rather than formal recruitment. Group affiliation influences PE transitions (LevFin, M&A groups have higher placement rates) but has minimal impact on tech transitions. Most successful transitions involve 4-6 months of external relationship building during banking tenure. The optimal timing for exit conversations is 12-18 months before your intended departure to allow sufficient lead time without appearing disengaged.
also honestly if you’re trying to go to tech, don’t wait for them to see your banking pedigree. they don’t care. figure out the product or problem you actually care about and learn that independently. do a few side projects. show you’re a builder, not just an analyst. banking credential gets your foot in the door. but showing you understand their world is what gets you hired.
ok so the strategy is knowing ppl + understanding the product/industry, not just banking experience. makes sense
Starting these conversations early shows maturity. You’ll naturally build the right connections as you explore what excites you!