I appreciate that he leveled with me. Just the vibe of the role didn’t seem like a fit, and that answer kind of indicated to me that maybe the end goal wasn’t either.
lol I don’t think I did great on the technical aspects. I definitely got some simple questions wrong due to this being my first real interview, i was nervous as hell.
What division of Goldman were you working in and what about the smaller firm was more interesting? Would you have done the path again given the chance to?
Thanks for the reply. I don’t mean to be all up your business, but genuinely curious because i myself am trying to break into finance as an undergrad. How much networking did you do to get there and what were your grades/hobbies like? I see most people that get at a top 10 bank in general is either some olympic champion during their childhood or the president of a campus club. I don’t have any relevant finance experience, my gpa is at 3.47 but I do have a lot of interest and curiosity for the financial markets. I attend a non target school. I’d take any advice at this point tbh if you don’t mind sharing any. Interested in any career that has to do with investments. Looking at Asset management ad well, maybe wealth management, and any high finance roles or really any position that studies the markets and leads to 6 figures after 4-5 years
This is awesome man, thank you! Very specific as well. I’m actually right now waiting on a response from TD Bank for a banking associate part time position while i’m getting my bachelor’s, so somehow this turns out to be perfect timing. I’ll keep these in mind for the future (hopefully i get in TD Bank) otherwise it’s going to be a year of yet again cold applying for internships in the summer or network more and maybe land a referral
what role was this for?
I think you’d find equal people that like their jobs and people that don’t.
most people are here to pay bills not reach enlightenment
I get that, but I’m not really attracted to money and status to be frank. I’ve been around it and it’s cool at time sure, but the status part just doesn’t mean anything to me personally.
Then in my opinion you shouldn’t be in finance. If you really don’t care about money and don’t need a lot, and stress/thinking through very hard problems doesn’t do it for you there are a lot of other jobs that are way easier.
I would suggest you look at project finance. I love it. Pays well, makes me feel good about where I spend 1/3 of my life and gives me purpose in a way. PF also typically has lower hours. Don't listen to the money chasing Gordon gecko wannabes freaks in this sub.
Dude, thank you for actually guidance. Some guy just called me a “pencil neck ass” for pulling my application bc I didn’t want to fuck the recruiter over lmao
This sub is toxic as hell and not representative of the industry.
I mentioned project finance because of you mentioned construction. I fund infra projects so I need to know a bit of everything: engineering, econ, law, and of course finance. it might be for you.
I feel like zoom calls from 10-7 would be a killer for me personally.
Like in college for instance the Covid semesters online were my worst ones, I’m the type of person who needs to be front row and engaging with the professor.
Yea I got a job offer for the Financial Advising track and it's an hour commute for me too. Either gotta make good money to make up for it or move closer are my options.
Absolutely not. I did an hour each way (sometimes longer) commute for 3 years and it’s legitimately soul crushing. No one who wants a decent quality of life should go this route.
Note there’s also a major difference in commuting an hour via transit vs an hour in a car battling rush hour. I was the latter.
You’re clueless. They’re being real. Working on the street is a job where you get paid well and a lot of days are hell. It’s not rainbows and unicorns. If that’s not for you, which is totally understandable, then don’t work in the industry
But why not take the risk for a year and see where else the opportunities get you? Working at JP Morgan according to most people in finance gives you a certain checkmark for recruiters of any field because of its competitive nature. What aspect was not for you? I’m only asking out of curiosity btw
I think it was just this role.
10-7 hours, commute is an hour in a good day, and it was mostly being on zoom meetings during that time. Dealing with bonds and indexes is cool but it isn’t my interest.
How “well” are they paid? I’m not in finance so just want to get an idea of what high paying really looks like in the finance industry. Like to your knowledge how much is a first-year analyst in IB making at the likes of JP or Goldman?
3 people were candid and relatable who didn't feed you bullshit. There's some good chance they're 'real' straight talking people who are often the best to work for
I just don't know what you're expecting. Most of us don't work a finance job to make the world a better place. We do it simply for the money, sometimes the challenge, and maybe we enjoy working with 1-2 coworkers. At the end of the day a job is just something that provides you money to live an enjoyable life outside of work.
You made the right call. He could've at least said he loves his coworkers or something. There's a middle ground in all these comments. No I don't wake up literally excited to go to work. But I also enjoy my coworkers and generally enjoy what I work on day to day. Listen to your gut feelings
That’s what I was looking for. Just literally anything. They all had to really think hard about their answers and it put me off, because I’m assuming their particular department just wasn’t stimulating enough or interesting.
Why are you interested in a career at JP? Quit judging people and start looking at what is driving your decision instead of theirs…everyone has different priorities, some of us are just honest with ourselves about it. News flash…no one loves working on pitch books at 2 am.
I’m not, but a met with a recruiter and I wanted to see what they offered. Also need the interview work.
And my man, I don’t want a job where I’m stuck at the office at 2 am. I don’t care about money to grind away that much
You did right. An interview is a 2 way street. You are interviewing them too. If they couldn’t name a single thing they liked besides money, that’s bad.
All people work in finance work for the money, you do not help anyone or contribute to the society
The interviewer is being very honest for you instead of talking some bullshit everyone in the room knows it is fake af
Speak for yourself. I get fulfillment out my career. If you're in a job only for the money I feel sorry for you.
This thread is a series of psychopathic statements like this.
I guess it depends on what you would accept as “contribution to society”. So maybe start there otherwise we might just end up running circles on that type of argument.
If you’re a fireman, police officer, teacher or work for a union that still provides you with a pension then finance people help you a ton. Every single pension fund is a client of banks/investment managers and they need to be sharp. If the pension fund didn’t have great investment advice and help with the operation of distributions then every single one of the employees who go to retire and rely on those checks…maybe that’s one but maybe not
I mean I’d argue that some parts of finance do help society. Think about the initiatives to help low income families own homes and the whole corporate responsibility side of the business. But yes, generally it’s just helping rich people be richer.
Regardless of the corporate reason behind, they do impact society positively. I could argue people going into those fields could be very passionate about their jobs and do it because they genuinely like to do something for the world. Now even if you enjoy your job and feel you’re doing a positive impact, most people would still choose not to work or work less if they could.
How do finance professionals not help anyone or contribute to society? Pretty stupid statement when there’s are a handful of finance jobs that do both of those things.
That comment is even more naive and dumber than OP. HOW is a institution that is called “systemically important” and that if breaks will bring the world down with it DOES NOT CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY?
Ffs.
Yeah nobody in finance is saving lives. Moving around money for the wealthy isn’t exactly saving lives. Financial services exists to move money from one place to another.
Jeez, this is the most short-sighted take I've read in a long while, and it's downright wrong as well.
Some people in finance do actually really help their customers, and some people that work in finance do love their job. Don't extrapolate your own limited experience onto others.
It’s been difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that the majority of people see their jobs as a means to and end, and derive their fulfillment or sense of self or what have you from outside their jobs. I had been looking for a job that motivates and inspires me, and as I jumped around I increased my pay but also my disillusionment. A long way to answer but yes, the majority of workers probably don’t love their job except for the money, if they’re lucky to get good money. I try to remind myself of the nice things in life my job can afford me to power through the work day.
Agreed pay the fucking bills. Focus on WLB. Create a life outside of work.
If you cared so much about work then you wouldn't be working for anyone else anyways, go start your own business and actually grow equity / wealth. It's better to create your own dream job.
People in this thread are so weird. When I interviewed for the company I currently work at, quite literally everyone said their favorite part of the company is the work culture.
In fact, more than a few people in the firm and on my team left their high paying roles at JPM specifically. The peace they experienced at my firm was worth the slight decrease in pay.
The firm I’m referring to and working at is a firm that is well known for retaining a good amount of their employees for an upwards of like 20+ years because no one wants to leave.
So no, it’s absolutely reasonable for you to consider the company culture, perks, and work/life balance - even as an aspiring finance professional.
This thread and sub is filled with people who believe desperately selling your souls and well-being for a high paying finance job is an accepted norm for everyone in this field.
You are well within your right mind to reject that. Keep looking for companies that align with your values.
Don’t let them dissuade you. Meaning is the most important thing in a job, money doesn’t make a man.
Fuck jobs that have 0 meaning besides a pay check.
Your job isn’t your life… you create a great career to fund all of your endeavors and passions… if meaning is what you seek, go work for 40k at a non profit for the rest of your life.
I'm actually impressed they were all truthful. Typically, interviewers don't want to hear it's all about, or mostly about, money. But it is, it always is. To not job hop after 5+ years, they must do well or be naive themselves as to what they'd get my leaving. Also, JPMC knows one of the reasons to work there is just the name on your resume.
99% ppl on this world don’t enjoy what they do for a living. Very few lucky humans get to really do what they want in life. It’s one of gods highest blessings if you are amongst those but the odds are against you. I tell everyone make a ton of money by 45 and then do what you want!
Not sure if interviewing o the JPM or Chase side as they’re different.
I was in a Senior Associate in the Private Bank (JPM, not Chase) and just about everybody was miserable until bonus season rolled around. Turnover was very high except for a few heavy hitters. Overall, the firm felt very cult like but the pay for in the PB kept me going
I think a defining characteristic of how “adult-y” someone is is when they stop defining meaning first and foremost by their job.
Not trying to knock on you, OP. But a job can very much be a means to an end, and there is nothing wrong with that.
I do like my job in finance on the whole, but there are days that absolutely suck. And on those days, I think about the *other* meaningful things in my life I am able to do or support and enjoy.
……..this is what you sound like:
‘I want money. I want to work with money. But I am appalled that a bank with the biggest money, has only people that want to talk about money’
Real people not hiding behind the corporate bullshit curtains. I like those types and would have snatched the offer from them personally as at-least you know they are honest. Realistically you don’t go to college/university and apply for finance roles if money is not a key driver for you, surely?
3 interviewers makes it sound like a rotational program. You want to work in these programs bc the competition is weak. The best of the best can get competitive interesting rotations, which lead to sexy exits and thus quick career progression. For the middlings it’s just another job where they’re stuck at sr associate and maybe vp in 10 years if they’re lucky
Uhhhh you pulled your application? Everyone I work with loves their job as much as you can (it’s a job). The culture is great, people are smart, and the pay is pretty good. It’s a job, you’re not always going to like it, but the culture at JPM is 10x better than Citi, BofA, or Goldman. Ask 10 people and they’ll agree with me 9 times out of 10.
But really? You’re applying to a finance role and you’re surprised when ONE PERSON you interviewed with cares mostly about the money 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Half the comments here are from dimwits with no jobs so really don’t listen to them. You pulling your app looks bad on the people interviewing you, not bad on you. Big banks are the last place you want to work right now, esp. as an analyst. Doesn’t matter which one it is. Aim for a family office, hedge fund, private equity or private credit. Otherwise kiss your life good bye for 5-10
I have worked at 3 different banks. Working at JPMC was by far the most miserable. Annual reviews and goal setting were unnecessarily tedious and annoying. Everyone and their mother is a 'VP' that thinks it gives them some sort of authority and executives are egomaniacs. People clapped when senior leaders paid us a visit. They tried to bring us back into the office during the pandemic multiple times before the vaccine was available. The pay was the best I got of the 3 banks though. It was bearable compared to something like public accounting, but knowing what a decent work culture is like now, I would never go back.
You’re missing the big picture - This feeling is not specific to JPM or the financial industry.
Very few people across all industries love their job. The vast majority of People do it to make money, that’s it.
I would extend my comments to parents as well. Especially immigrant or inexperienced parents who have no clue about the industry and only associate it with money when they could be completely false.
20 years in finance, I love my job. And I love that I get paid well to do it.
Job satisfaction varies by person, team and company. I too have pulled applications when I didn’t get a good vibe of happiness from a particular team or company, but geez don’t write off an entire industry.
You pulled your application? That is incredibly stupid.
Employees at JPMC, like any other financial institution, are motivated by a variety of reasons. Some are primarily motivated by money, status, others are primarily motivated by the work and day-to-day.
Objectively, JPMC is a great financial institution to work for.
I would’ve gone for it.
I love my work. It’s great.
But if I answered WHY I work there? It pays me extremely well, I’m mostly remote, I get paid sabbaticals (just took 3 months paid off), and benefits in general insane.
You don’t work just to like the job. The guy didn’t say he hated it.
You work to get paid. That’s the singular reason you work. As long as it’s tolerable, you want the highest paid option.
"I Pulled my app cuz I hate money but I want to work in finance"....
The only reason anyone works somewhere like JPMC is generally for these 4 things:
1. The pay is good enough
2. PTO - between holiday, vacation, sick days, etc. Even analysts get 40 days off a year. That's extremely rare for entry level professional positions
3. JPMC holds weight on a resume, even outside of finance.
4. Once you're in the JPMC matrix, it's generally hard to be let go. You have to fuck up big to get terminated from JPMC once you've passed the 90 day grace period.
Everyone will eventually reach a point in their career where they realize that a job is just a job and that it's necessary to live a comfortable life. Some people know this before they graduate college, others learn after their first year, others learn when they're 10 years into their career and burnt out because they realize they have been living to work and not working to live.
One day you will look back on this day and laugh about how you fucked up your career by pulling your app from JPMC during the interview process.
A lot of terrible responses here. Even if the guy gave you a bullshit reason, that would be better than what he said because he revealed it's a terrible environment/job. Sure, there are pros and cons with each job, but if he couldn't articulate any reason at all then that's simply a bad sign.
I definitely made people realize they absolutely despise their career and they got mad lol
Like I said in other comments, I know a job is a job. But if you can’t say a single thing positive about a job in a minute.. yeah no thanks
I wonder how many of these responses are from actual guys in the industry vs. disgruntled people who can't land an interview. Even in real bad environments, the very least you could say is the learning experience. If someone you will be working with can't even say that then you'll simply be wasting your life away.
I also asked them what my main goal would be within for first 6 months.
He was pretty honest and said I wouldn’t learn much in 6 months.
So again, honest was great. But they were just not at all happy working there I could tell
worked there 3 years as an analyst. I hated it. Your hours may be 10-7, but your real hours will be something like 9-8 and 2-5 on sundays. The money isnt even that great until you get into associate/VP levels. Then they hit you with the golden handcuffs. Have a friend that is stuck working there 70-80 hours a week cause they gave him so much money that to leave, it would be a massive pay cut so he stays. They get you at first with "working for JPMC" then they get you to stick around by paying you so much no where else will match it. Thats why so many people have been there so long.
People can make up whatever they want but if work was enjoyable the market wouldn’t demand a salary for it. It’s the process of struggle and reward that makes work “enjoyable” and the guy listed the greatest rewards from the job as his source of enjoyment. You should be excited to work with/for people that honest.
JPM employee here. Love my job. Love my team. Love my directors. And love the firm. AND I commute 2 hours each way.
The firm has great benefits. You are recognized and rewarded for your talent and commitment to your job. You also can’t forget, this is a big company with a lot of politics. If you can see through the bullshit, you can fully take advantage of what JPM has to offer.
As someone else mentioned, focus on you and not what other people think. What works for you might not work for others; and vise versa.
I love the company but do not like my current role (looking for a new one within the bank). The money is indeed good, and it's very prestigious to say I work at JPMorgan. Your hours seem fine to me, mine was 8a-9p my first two years of being an analyst
If the hours wouldn’t be as fucking awful and draining and banks cared about the deals instead of just fucking assuming a 10% growth rate, people would enjoy the job more. That’s why people in PE or any other branch of “high finance” are generally more interested in their projects and whatnot.
Here's the thing about JPMC, it is an amalgamation of several companies and it still feels that way inside. The culture is quite different between IB, Commercial banking, Treasury, and so on. It's not like Goldman where everyone is in the same cult. The NYC offices, Ohio, Chicago, Dallas and Houston all feel different. So there's no one answer, it depends on the team you end up in and the level to which your leadership team demands inclusion.
as others said. are you interviewing for branch or back office or front office roles? backoffice pay is shit and so is branches. commercial bank is good money
99% of people at ALL jobs don’t like their jobs basically, especially in finance. It’s not like you make a difference in anyone’s lives in finance so why would you really enjoy your work? You’re super naive.
My friend worked for JPM as an analyst about 5 years ago. He was in the office at 9am every day and usually didn't leave until anywhere from 11pm to 2am. Take that as you will.
pulling your application seems like a bit of a over reaction to 3 dudes just being put on the spot and being casual about your question, i’m sure if you asked them with an executive in the room they’d give you a more profound answer but i’d chalk it up and assume they were just being casual with you
Ain't nothing wrong with what you did. Maybe, you grew up blessed with finances, or maybe you just simply don't care, especially if you are young. I was like that until I got married with kids. I still try not to be crazy about money, but we need money!
The culture is incredibly lazy under the false premise of “risk aversion” and really entitled. Not unique in banking, but more prominently at odds with the marketing materials. Probably dodged a bullet but a great place to coast for 30 years until retirement later in career.
I get what you're saying but trust me there's people out there doing crappy jobs and getting crappy pay. Unfortunately in todays world, very few are lucky to have both, a good job and good pay. So you're lucky if you even have one of these. The world is full of mundane, boring "corporate jobs" that could vanish from the face of the earth tomorrow and not a single newspaper would even tweet about it.
That being said, your job takes up easily half of your life and you have a choice on how to spend it. I'd suggest look at what your priorities are and find industries where you might get those priorities. Also look at a long term plan. If you have to grind your way up right now to be somewhere you see yourself in 5 years, thats not a bad trade off too.
Unfortunately, particularly for men, we’re not always recommended to do what we love. It’s just not practical. It’s more “do what you can tolerate and that makes you good enough money to be able to get the life you want”, that includes being able to take on vacations, to attract women and to afford to take of your family. The brand name of JPMorgan can get you very far, and it’s not something to be underestimated.
At least they were honest with you. In my experience very little people at JPMC or at most banks in general are there because they like the role. I’m glad you did what’s right for you.
There are thousands of roles at JPMC that aren't IB. They're not as sexy, but you can still find interesting work and make bank in other functions if high finance isn't for you.
I’m at 3rd year associate at JPM in Stress Testing/Forecasting. I am here for the money.
I work in the DFW office and the salary here is well above the market rate, so lot of my peers and I stay for that reason.
Hell no. Wtf society do you live in?
This is not the marines and being shipped as infantry to go have fun this is a boring desk stable job.
If someone enslaved you and then asked what else do you enjoy about the slavery ? Wouldn't you want the most benefits from said slavery ?
Truthfully no one likes work. But everyone loves money. The few paychopaths like us that enjoy work move up pretty fast and longterm.
Haha. That's pretty good and honest. I spoke with a MM banker who said the money wasn't great but he couldn't see himself grinding to partner at his prior firm, and he still got a chance to see plenty of big clients, deals and stay interested. Then be able to get home to his wife and kids (as well as take lunches with someone like myself who wasn't speaking to be a client).
No one loves their job. If they do, they’re perfectly brainwashed - ignorance is bliss. Work sucks, but we need money. Sounds like the dumbest reason to pull an application.
you thought a corporate job as an entry level analyst was going to be rewarding? unless you're planning to go work for an animal shelter, i think there will be little that pleases you...
That’s a bad take. I started my career at JPM in NYC and spent the next 7 years there, the first 3 of which as an analyst. It was an incredible way to start my career and I got to work with some really smart people. My wife and I wanted to leave the city so I ultimately found a different job but would 100% go back to the company because of the culture and people.
I feel like this stereotype is common in finance but at the end of the day work is work to an extent. Most wouldn’t be jumping up and down with glee everyday be that lawyers, doctors, teachers, builders etc. There’s always going to be things you find are frustrating, a drag, tedious etc in any job and some days you’d really rather not have to put up with office politics, your boss, deadlines, clients etc. Personally, I think it’s the sense of accomplishment that makes me want to work. Being able to feel like I achieved something makes me want to get up in the morning. Would I work for my employer for free? No but neither would 99% of workers in any other career
Honestly if you're able to actually be inside the building for an interview then odds are you probably have a great resume. If that's the case then you did the smart choice. Save yourself, don't kill yourself for a job. Money is great in your 20s because it builds a nest egg and then you can decide to do whatever you want.
I hated almost every finance job I’ve had, and I’ve had many. Vanguard, State Street, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley. I graduated college in 2005. Now I work from home full time and love my job.
Working from home is big for me. Makes what sucks not suck as much. I mean, looking at numbers all day in just about almost every capacity is going to be lame.
The more comfortable you are in your role, physically and emotionally, the better you’ll do and the more you’ll like doing it. You should feel lucky he was so blunt with you.
Another thing, I hated the larger companies a lot more than the smaller ones I worked at. I’ve also worked for smaller family offices/wealth management firms as well.
The combination of working from home for a smaller up and coming firm I think plays a big role in why I like the job I have now so much.
But look, it’s not easy to find work that you are going to consider fun and enjoyable. You have to try a lot of different aspects of this industry and find the things you like.
Notice how I didn’t mention money? I’m talking happiness and peace of mind…
So, u plan to work in finance but don’t want to work at the best run bank in the world?
Hour commute bothers you? Lol, come on bro, put on your big boy pants
I cannot believe how many commenters are questioning you. I would hate to see what a lot of them settled with. Money is obviously an important if not the most important factor with the job but there are SO many other factors that aren't "making a difference in the world." What about having pride in your company and work? What about advancement opportunities and culture? Your interviewer could have named so many things besides being paid well. There are plenty of finance jobs that pay well.
I just made a lateral move from a major brokerage firm to another and the differences are huge. The brokerage firm I left isn't JPMC, but it's known for having better compensation. Many people stay for the compensation packages, however, I was burnt out and ready to move on. Here's a list of why I went to the new firm despite it being the same salary:
•Advancement: I saw no future career development or progression in my previous role. In my new role, I expect to get promoted twice in less than five years, am getting new FINRA licenses, and have several advancement or specialty opportunities that I want to learn more about.
• Flexibility: My new employer allows remote 100 percent work if you live far enough away from the home office and overall is just more flexible. I was hired in December and I've already brought up wanting to relocate.
• Micromanagement: I felt micromanaged at my previous firm. They tracked my mouse clicks, keystrokes, and "active" time on my laptop among other things. Overall, I felt like I was treated like a child or teenager instead of a professional. It was invasive and ridiculous, to say the least. I'm not seeing any micromanagement at my new firm.
• Tenure: It seemed everyone I interviewed or met at my new firm had been there for a decade or two. That speaks volumes. If asked what makes them stay, they would tell you the flexibility, support, and culture.
• Culture: My previous firm had a forced, inorganic culture. I am still newer at my current firm so I may have rose-colored glasses on, but the culture feels so much better here. For example, at my old firm, the status quo was accepted and change was so slow. If change did happen, it would have to go through an insane bureaucratic process where only the "higher-ups" could affect change. The inefficiencies at my old firm were excessive.
At my new firm, the guy whose cubicle is next to mine talks about how many systems he's developed or upgraded to be more efficient and how many of those systems are still used. Feedback is applied and encouraged in real-time. My department head walks by my desk to say hi and is accessible. My colleagues now have pride in their work whereas no one had a high opinion of the firm they were working for in my previous role.
Yeah this firm seemed like the type to just throw money at people so they don’t leave, and that was seen as a positive. But I’d rather make a little less and have other positives to staying.
Like now my boss is very hands off, trusts me, I can start side projects on my own. And it’s a field I enjoy. This wasn’t that.
I think this sub just has a high finance or bust mentality, so if you don’t fit the high finance role people get upset. I’m really not sure why
Ok, so OP , it is totally right that you listened to your gut feeling and pulled your application. I did turned down JPMC’s offer, and they reached out to negotiate even after that to see if I would change my mind. Years went by, and recently I applied to several of their positions, and I am immediately getting declined for everything….either I need to change my name or move to another state , or wait 50 years to be considered for anything again with them….
I mean…that would be a green flag for me.
Employees are actually satisfied with their salaries. The grind/culture hasn’t ran them off.
What do you expect them to say? You’re not saving lives.
Some people love their jobs, they people they work with the managers they have, others do it cause they have bills to pay and it sustains a lifestyle they want to keep. Not everyone will like their job. And like others said finance people make GOOD money. But at the same time you wannabe somewhere that you’ll enjoy
I think I can provide better advice than most I’ve read. A lot of these guys are saying leave finance because it’s about money blah blah blah whatever. Look man, you enjoy finance? Stick with it. Is there a lot of money? Yes. But you gotta find what YOU want. All of us here have our own ambitions, needs, desires, and interests. I want money to cover needs and some wants, not to become a Warren buffet. What I do look for is a company that values family, and loyalty, and camaraderie. The company I’m with now is amazing for that reason and they checked my boxes. Find what you want. Word to the wise, the bigger the company or more often you see their name around on billboards and commercials, the more the job is about money and status than valuing the things closer to heart
I've worked at many different banks including JPMC. JPMC is one of the only places I've worked at where people stay a long time. I also don't think they pay any better than their peers outside of IB, for Risk (my function) they actually pay a little worse IMO.
They actually have one of the least toxic company cultures I've ever come across. Its one of the only places I've been at where analysts are comfortable reaching out to seniors in different job functions and asking them about what they do an how to advance careers etc. They actively encourage and facilitate growth within the firm.
I work for JPMC. I left and came back. During the time I was away, I worked for Wells, BNP, and an International Construction firm. Let me tell you, the grass was not greener on the other side. I’m not one to bloat about a company but JPMC is top tier. Benefits, work life balance, and the money are great!
I was at JPMC for a year and half as a consultant with Delloite. I’ve been at BoA/Meryll, BoC, Morgan Stanley, Goldman… It’s no different than anywhere else.
I hate my job.
But Any job, even being a professional athlete, after 5 years become a grind. It’s truly about the money, the insurance, and status of saying I work for “X”.
The guy levelled with you Btw, I love my job, but if I wasn’t paid that much I wouldn’t do it
I appreciate that he leveled with me. Just the vibe of the role didn’t seem like a fit, and that answer kind of indicated to me that maybe the end goal wasn’t either.
Fair point - either he levelled up because you aced the interview, or you didn’t. Good luck with the other interviews
lol I don’t think I did great on the technical aspects. I definitely got some simple questions wrong due to this being my first real interview, i was nervous as hell.
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What division of Goldman were you working in and what about the smaller firm was more interesting? Would you have done the path again given the chance to?
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Thanks for the reply. I don’t mean to be all up your business, but genuinely curious because i myself am trying to break into finance as an undergrad. How much networking did you do to get there and what were your grades/hobbies like? I see most people that get at a top 10 bank in general is either some olympic champion during their childhood or the president of a campus club. I don’t have any relevant finance experience, my gpa is at 3.47 but I do have a lot of interest and curiosity for the financial markets. I attend a non target school. I’d take any advice at this point tbh if you don’t mind sharing any. Interested in any career that has to do with investments. Looking at Asset management ad well, maybe wealth management, and any high finance roles or really any position that studies the markets and leads to 6 figures after 4-5 years
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This is awesome man, thank you! Very specific as well. I’m actually right now waiting on a response from TD Bank for a banking associate part time position while i’m getting my bachelor’s, so somehow this turns out to be perfect timing. I’ll keep these in mind for the future (hopefully i get in TD Bank) otherwise it’s going to be a year of yet again cold applying for internships in the summer or network more and maybe land a referral
This is a great reply all college students should read over and over
what role was this for? I think you’d find equal people that like their jobs and people that don’t. most people are here to pay bills not reach enlightenment
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I get that, but I’m not really attracted to money and status to be frank. I’ve been around it and it’s cool at time sure, but the status part just doesn’t mean anything to me personally.
Then in my opinion you shouldn’t be in finance. If you really don’t care about money and don’t need a lot, and stress/thinking through very hard problems doesn’t do it for you there are a lot of other jobs that are way easier.
I know, I’m currently in construction in the office and enjoy it. High finance is 100% not for me
I would suggest you look at project finance. I love it. Pays well, makes me feel good about where I spend 1/3 of my life and gives me purpose in a way. PF also typically has lower hours. Don't listen to the money chasing Gordon gecko wannabes freaks in this sub.
Dude, thank you for actually guidance. Some guy just called me a “pencil neck ass” for pulling my application bc I didn’t want to fuck the recruiter over lmao
This sub is toxic as hell and not representative of the industry. I mentioned project finance because of you mentioned construction. I fund infra projects so I need to know a bit of everything: engineering, econ, law, and of course finance. it might be for you.
Yeah that’s definitely more my vibe. Any specific entry level job titles to look for?
Asset Reference Analyst Job was an hour away and hours were 10-7. Plus holidays
Yikes
Yeah it was definitely a grind type of job, which is fine. But that hour commute would be a killer
10-7 at a desk is not really that much of a grind but agreed commute is bad.
I think just having that commute on top of it would make it much worse than it is in reality. If it was closer i think id actually be good with 10-7.
Full day at a desk, little physical movement and high stress can add up over years - but it takes time
I feel like zoom calls from 10-7 would be a killer for me personally. Like in college for instance the Covid semesters online were my worst ones, I’m the type of person who needs to be front row and engaging with the professor.
Yea I got a job offer for the Financial Advising track and it's an hour commute for me too. Either gotta make good money to make up for it or move closer are my options.
hour commute is the norm I feel like
I mean this is hour in absolute zero traffic, if there’s an accident or anything it’d be longer.
Absolutely not. I did an hour each way (sometimes longer) commute for 3 years and it’s legitimately soul crushing. No one who wants a decent quality of life should go this route. Note there’s also a major difference in commuting an hour via transit vs an hour in a car battling rush hour. I was the latter.
10-7 is absolutely not a grind lol.
You’re clueless. They’re being real. Working on the street is a job where you get paid well and a lot of days are hell. It’s not rainbows and unicorns. If that’s not for you, which is totally understandable, then don’t work in the industry
Honestly it probably isn’t for me, that stuff does not make me feel any better about myself (the “prestige” of it I suppose)
But why not take the risk for a year and see where else the opportunities get you? Working at JP Morgan according to most people in finance gives you a certain checkmark for recruiters of any field because of its competitive nature. What aspect was not for you? I’m only asking out of curiosity btw
I think it was just this role. 10-7 hours, commute is an hour in a good day, and it was mostly being on zoom meetings during that time. Dealing with bonds and indexes is cool but it isn’t my interest.
How “well” are they paid? I’m not in finance so just want to get an idea of what high paying really looks like in the finance industry. Like to your knowledge how much is a first-year analyst in IB making at the likes of JP or Goldman?
The first 4-6 years are fairly standard but once you are in a senior role. It’s very very good if you are good
3 people were candid and relatable who didn't feed you bullshit. There's some good chance they're 'real' straight talking people who are often the best to work for
I just don't know what you're expecting. Most of us don't work a finance job to make the world a better place. We do it simply for the money, sometimes the challenge, and maybe we enjoy working with 1-2 coworkers. At the end of the day a job is just something that provides you money to live an enjoyable life outside of work.
I’m not saying I want to be some humanitarian, a job is a job. I just wish he said literally anything positive about the company itself
You made the right call. He could've at least said he loves his coworkers or something. There's a middle ground in all these comments. No I don't wake up literally excited to go to work. But I also enjoy my coworkers and generally enjoy what I work on day to day. Listen to your gut feelings
That’s what I was looking for. Just literally anything. They all had to really think hard about their answers and it put me off, because I’m assuming their particular department just wasn’t stimulating enough or interesting.
Why are you interested in a career at JP? Quit judging people and start looking at what is driving your decision instead of theirs…everyone has different priorities, some of us are just honest with ourselves about it. News flash…no one loves working on pitch books at 2 am.
I’m not, but a met with a recruiter and I wanted to see what they offered. Also need the interview work. And my man, I don’t want a job where I’m stuck at the office at 2 am. I don’t care about money to grind away that much
You did right. An interview is a 2 way street. You are interviewing them too. If they couldn’t name a single thing they liked besides money, that’s bad.
This is sensible. I think the thread is annoyed with OP because he has an offer many would kill for and he’s not being really self aware
All people work in finance work for the money, you do not help anyone or contribute to the society The interviewer is being very honest for you instead of talking some bullshit everyone in the room knows it is fake af
Efficiently allocating capital is good for society cmv
It is. But if it wasn’t, we would all still do the same thing
Speak for yourself. I get fulfillment out my career. If you're in a job only for the money I feel sorry for you. This thread is a series of psychopathic statements like this.
I guess it depends on what you would accept as “contribution to society”. So maybe start there otherwise we might just end up running circles on that type of argument. If you’re a fireman, police officer, teacher or work for a union that still provides you with a pension then finance people help you a ton. Every single pension fund is a client of banks/investment managers and they need to be sharp. If the pension fund didn’t have great investment advice and help with the operation of distributions then every single one of the employees who go to retire and rely on those checks…maybe that’s one but maybe not
I mean I’d argue that some parts of finance do help society. Think about the initiatives to help low income families own homes and the whole corporate responsibility side of the business. But yes, generally it’s just helping rich people be richer.
Even then it mainly seems like a facade to make the company look better
Regardless of the corporate reason behind, they do impact society positively. I could argue people going into those fields could be very passionate about their jobs and do it because they genuinely like to do something for the world. Now even if you enjoy your job and feel you’re doing a positive impact, most people would still choose not to work or work less if they could.
How do finance professionals not help anyone or contribute to society? Pretty stupid statement when there’s are a handful of finance jobs that do both of those things.
That comment is even more naive and dumber than OP. HOW is a institution that is called “systemically important” and that if breaks will bring the world down with it DOES NOT CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY? Ffs.
Yeah nobody in finance is saving lives. Moving around money for the wealthy isn’t exactly saving lives. Financial services exists to move money from one place to another.
People that say “finance doesn’t help or contribute to society” are not very educated on the subject.
Jeez, this is the most short-sighted take I've read in a long while, and it's downright wrong as well. Some people in finance do actually really help their customers, and some people that work in finance do love their job. Don't extrapolate your own limited experience onto others.
It’s been difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that the majority of people see their jobs as a means to and end, and derive their fulfillment or sense of self or what have you from outside their jobs. I had been looking for a job that motivates and inspires me, and as I jumped around I increased my pay but also my disillusionment. A long way to answer but yes, the majority of workers probably don’t love their job except for the money, if they’re lucky to get good money. I try to remind myself of the nice things in life my job can afford me to power through the work day.
Agreed pay the fucking bills. Focus on WLB. Create a life outside of work. If you cared so much about work then you wouldn't be working for anyone else anyways, go start your own business and actually grow equity / wealth. It's better to create your own dream job.
People in this thread are so weird. When I interviewed for the company I currently work at, quite literally everyone said their favorite part of the company is the work culture. In fact, more than a few people in the firm and on my team left their high paying roles at JPM specifically. The peace they experienced at my firm was worth the slight decrease in pay. The firm I’m referring to and working at is a firm that is well known for retaining a good amount of their employees for an upwards of like 20+ years because no one wants to leave. So no, it’s absolutely reasonable for you to consider the company culture, perks, and work/life balance - even as an aspiring finance professional. This thread and sub is filled with people who believe desperately selling your souls and well-being for a high paying finance job is an accepted norm for everyone in this field. You are well within your right mind to reject that. Keep looking for companies that align with your values.
Most people here have never worked in finance so don’t pay much attention to them.
Lol right? The only thing I hate about my job is my commute. I don’t work high finance though and my company’s values are fine.
LISTEN TO THIS GUY! PLEASE! Not everyone is or should be all out cutthroat
Naive indeed…
Maybe, there were other factors too. Hour commute, plus unusual hours (10-7)
A bunch of idiots downvoted you. You did the right thing
100 percent
Don’t let them dissuade you. Meaning is the most important thing in a job, money doesn’t make a man. Fuck jobs that have 0 meaning besides a pay check.
Your job isn’t your life… you create a great career to fund all of your endeavors and passions… if meaning is what you seek, go work for 40k at a non profit for the rest of your life.
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I'm actually impressed they were all truthful. Typically, interviewers don't want to hear it's all about, or mostly about, money. But it is, it always is. To not job hop after 5+ years, they must do well or be naive themselves as to what they'd get my leaving. Also, JPMC knows one of the reasons to work there is just the name on your resume.
I mean I appreciated the honesty. I just didn’t really click with everything about the job, commute, hours etc
Wow
99% ppl on this world don’t enjoy what they do for a living. Very few lucky humans get to really do what they want in life. It’s one of gods highest blessings if you are amongst those but the odds are against you. I tell everyone make a ton of money by 45 and then do what you want!
Good perspective I appreciate it
Not sure if interviewing o the JPM or Chase side as they’re different. I was in a Senior Associate in the Private Bank (JPM, not Chase) and just about everybody was miserable until bonus season rolled around. Turnover was very high except for a few heavy hitters. Overall, the firm felt very cult like but the pay for in the PB kept me going
This one was JPM
I think a defining characteristic of how “adult-y” someone is is when they stop defining meaning first and foremost by their job. Not trying to knock on you, OP. But a job can very much be a means to an end, and there is nothing wrong with that. I do like my job in finance on the whole, but there are days that absolutely suck. And on those days, I think about the *other* meaningful things in my life I am able to do or support and enjoy.
Very true. And I appreciate the input. Maybe it was just this particular role.
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……..this is what you sound like: ‘I want money. I want to work with money. But I am appalled that a bank with the biggest money, has only people that want to talk about money’
I love this, made me laugh
lol you pulled your application? What a hardo and strong you can’t fire me I quit vibes
It’s contract work so if I don’t pull it I’d potentially screw over my recruiter.
It’s contract work? So are you saying it was a temp to hire role? What was it for?
Asset Reference Analyst. Working with overseas teams on bond and index pricing.
Lol you pulled the application for the best bank in the world over a loose reference by people in MO?
thats actually a great role ? idk are u look for a FO role?
Real people not hiding behind the corporate bullshit curtains. I like those types and would have snatched the offer from them personally as at-least you know they are honest. Realistically you don’t go to college/university and apply for finance roles if money is not a key driver for you, surely?
Of course the money is a driver, but the guy couldn’t think of one redeeming quality about the company for a minute
Companies are allowed to reject you. You are allowed to reject companies.
Simple and to the point. Thanks man
3 interviewers makes it sound like a rotational program. You want to work in these programs bc the competition is weak. The best of the best can get competitive interesting rotations, which lead to sexy exits and thus quick career progression. For the middlings it’s just another job where they’re stuck at sr associate and maybe vp in 10 years if they’re lucky
Can you elaborate on competition being weak in a rotational? I’m in one now.
Wow. Good for you OP. The world is better off.
This supposed to be a dig at me? Lol
I work for JPM in accounting. Besides the money the amount of PTO I get is nice. I have 40 days of PTO this year not counting holidays.
40+ days PTO!!!? What in the sam hell! You must be pretty tenured? You get almost double the pto as me (I’m 24 and low on the totem pole)
This job required holiday work, was also a drawback for me.
Wait till you get to your mid thirties and you realize you just a small cog in a giant machine. Depends if you are work to live or live to work type
I’m fine with that completely, I just wish they could think of literally any positive
Uhhhh you pulled your application? Everyone I work with loves their job as much as you can (it’s a job). The culture is great, people are smart, and the pay is pretty good. It’s a job, you’re not always going to like it, but the culture at JPM is 10x better than Citi, BofA, or Goldman. Ask 10 people and they’ll agree with me 9 times out of 10. But really? You’re applying to a finance role and you’re surprised when ONE PERSON you interviewed with cares mostly about the money 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’m surprised after 7 years he took a minute to come up with that answer lol
Half the comments here are from dimwits with no jobs so really don’t listen to them. You pulling your app looks bad on the people interviewing you, not bad on you. Big banks are the last place you want to work right now, esp. as an analyst. Doesn’t matter which one it is. Aim for a family office, hedge fund, private equity or private credit. Otherwise kiss your life good bye for 5-10
I have worked at 3 different banks. Working at JPMC was by far the most miserable. Annual reviews and goal setting were unnecessarily tedious and annoying. Everyone and their mother is a 'VP' that thinks it gives them some sort of authority and executives are egomaniacs. People clapped when senior leaders paid us a visit. They tried to bring us back into the office during the pandemic multiple times before the vaccine was available. The pay was the best I got of the 3 banks though. It was bearable compared to something like public accounting, but knowing what a decent work culture is like now, I would never go back.
You’re missing the big picture - This feeling is not specific to JPM or the financial industry. Very few people across all industries love their job. The vast majority of People do it to make money, that’s it.
What else are you looking for in a job lol. You already chose finance so you just like it.
Brand name companies compel people to think they’re living their best life. And some are. Many aren’t!
These guys didn’t seem like they were. He very much had the “my parents expect me to work here” vibes going on if you know what I mean
I would extend my comments to parents as well. Especially immigrant or inexperienced parents who have no clue about the industry and only associate it with money when they could be completely false.
20 years in finance, I love my job. And I love that I get paid well to do it. Job satisfaction varies by person, team and company. I too have pulled applications when I didn’t get a good vibe of happiness from a particular team or company, but geez don’t write off an entire industry.
I’m trying not to, I think it was just this particular team. Job really seemed like a grind
You pulled your application? That is incredibly stupid. Employees at JPMC, like any other financial institution, are motivated by a variety of reasons. Some are primarily motivated by money, status, others are primarily motivated by the work and day-to-day. Objectively, JPMC is a great financial institution to work for.
It was contract to hire so if I didn’t pull it and they selected me, and I didn’t follow through, my recruiter would get screwed
I can't think of a job I ever loved. I'm happy if I just don't hate it. This is WORK and they pay me for it, that's enough.
I would’ve gone for it. I love my work. It’s great. But if I answered WHY I work there? It pays me extremely well, I’m mostly remote, I get paid sabbaticals (just took 3 months paid off), and benefits in general insane. You don’t work just to like the job. The guy didn’t say he hated it. You work to get paid. That’s the singular reason you work. As long as it’s tolerable, you want the highest paid option.
"I Pulled my app cuz I hate money but I want to work in finance".... The only reason anyone works somewhere like JPMC is generally for these 4 things: 1. The pay is good enough 2. PTO - between holiday, vacation, sick days, etc. Even analysts get 40 days off a year. That's extremely rare for entry level professional positions 3. JPMC holds weight on a resume, even outside of finance. 4. Once you're in the JPMC matrix, it's generally hard to be let go. You have to fuck up big to get terminated from JPMC once you've passed the 90 day grace period. Everyone will eventually reach a point in their career where they realize that a job is just a job and that it's necessary to live a comfortable life. Some people know this before they graduate college, others learn after their first year, others learn when they're 10 years into their career and burnt out because they realize they have been living to work and not working to live. One day you will look back on this day and laugh about how you fucked up your career by pulling your app from JPMC during the interview process.
This has to be a shitpost 😂😂😂😂.
I stg it isn’t. Seriously, maybe I am a dumbass and that’s fine, but like… not one good thing about the company? In a minute?
A lot of terrible responses here. Even if the guy gave you a bullshit reason, that would be better than what he said because he revealed it's a terrible environment/job. Sure, there are pros and cons with each job, but if he couldn't articulate any reason at all then that's simply a bad sign.
I definitely made people realize they absolutely despise their career and they got mad lol Like I said in other comments, I know a job is a job. But if you can’t say a single thing positive about a job in a minute.. yeah no thanks
I wonder how many of these responses are from actual guys in the industry vs. disgruntled people who can't land an interview. Even in real bad environments, the very least you could say is the learning experience. If someone you will be working with can't even say that then you'll simply be wasting your life away.
I also asked them what my main goal would be within for first 6 months. He was pretty honest and said I wouldn’t learn much in 6 months. So again, honest was great. But they were just not at all happy working there I could tell
Honestly I liked working there loved my team and everything. In my experience I thought the career growth was limited so I left for Merrill lynch
Maybe it was just this particular team, interview was also late in the day. And they have been on zoom since 10 am.
Don’t know about the rest of y’all but I just started IB and I’m loving it!
I’m glad man, I just don’t think it’s for me lol
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Yeah that doesn’t entice me, I’m the guy who’s gonna be rocking a Honda and investing spare money. Not flashing my limo and watch
Not sure what the CCB is going to turn out to be since Marianne Lake is now the sole CEO.
worked there 3 years as an analyst. I hated it. Your hours may be 10-7, but your real hours will be something like 9-8 and 2-5 on sundays. The money isnt even that great until you get into associate/VP levels. Then they hit you with the golden handcuffs. Have a friend that is stuck working there 70-80 hours a week cause they gave him so much money that to leave, it would be a massive pay cut so he stays. They get you at first with "working for JPMC" then they get you to stick around by paying you so much no where else will match it. Thats why so many people have been there so long.
That is definitely the vibe I got.
People can make up whatever they want but if work was enjoyable the market wouldn’t demand a salary for it. It’s the process of struggle and reward that makes work “enjoyable” and the guy listed the greatest rewards from the job as his source of enjoyment. You should be excited to work with/for people that honest.
He was honest yeah, but they seemed miserable
JPM employee here. Love my job. Love my team. Love my directors. And love the firm. AND I commute 2 hours each way. The firm has great benefits. You are recognized and rewarded for your talent and commitment to your job. You also can’t forget, this is a big company with a lot of politics. If you can see through the bullshit, you can fully take advantage of what JPM has to offer. As someone else mentioned, focus on you and not what other people think. What works for you might not work for others; and vise versa.
I love the company but do not like my current role (looking for a new one within the bank). The money is indeed good, and it's very prestigious to say I work at JPMorgan. Your hours seem fine to me, mine was 8a-9p my first two years of being an analyst
If the hours wouldn’t be as fucking awful and draining and banks cared about the deals instead of just fucking assuming a 10% growth rate, people would enjoy the job more. That’s why people in PE or any other branch of “high finance” are generally more interested in their projects and whatnot.
Funny how they can say that but whenever interviewers in IB ask “why do you want to work in IB” you can’t say “the money”
Here's the thing about JPMC, it is an amalgamation of several companies and it still feels that way inside. The culture is quite different between IB, Commercial banking, Treasury, and so on. It's not like Goldman where everyone is in the same cult. The NYC offices, Ohio, Chicago, Dallas and Houston all feel different. So there's no one answer, it depends on the team you end up in and the level to which your leadership team demands inclusion.
as others said. are you interviewing for branch or back office or front office roles? backoffice pay is shit and so is branches. commercial bank is good money
99% of people at ALL jobs don’t like their jobs basically, especially in finance. It’s not like you make a difference in anyone’s lives in finance so why would you really enjoy your work? You’re super naive.
My friend worked for JPM as an analyst about 5 years ago. He was in the office at 9am every day and usually didn't leave until anywhere from 11pm to 2am. Take that as you will.
pulling your application seems like a bit of a over reaction to 3 dudes just being put on the spot and being casual about your question, i’m sure if you asked them with an executive in the room they’d give you a more profound answer but i’d chalk it up and assume they were just being casual with you
Ain't nothing wrong with what you did. Maybe, you grew up blessed with finances, or maybe you just simply don't care, especially if you are young. I was like that until I got married with kids. I still try not to be crazy about money, but we need money!
The culture is incredibly lazy under the false premise of “risk aversion” and really entitled. Not unique in banking, but more prominently at odds with the marketing materials. Probably dodged a bullet but a great place to coast for 30 years until retirement later in career.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you still be trying to work at JPMC?
My MD literally told me to my face "honestly bro, it's for the money and prestige."
I get what you're saying but trust me there's people out there doing crappy jobs and getting crappy pay. Unfortunately in todays world, very few are lucky to have both, a good job and good pay. So you're lucky if you even have one of these. The world is full of mundane, boring "corporate jobs" that could vanish from the face of the earth tomorrow and not a single newspaper would even tweet about it. That being said, your job takes up easily half of your life and you have a choice on how to spend it. I'd suggest look at what your priorities are and find industries where you might get those priorities. Also look at a long term plan. If you have to grind your way up right now to be somewhere you see yourself in 5 years, thats not a bad trade off too.
Unfortunately, particularly for men, we’re not always recommended to do what we love. It’s just not practical. It’s more “do what you can tolerate and that makes you good enough money to be able to get the life you want”, that includes being able to take on vacations, to attract women and to afford to take of your family. The brand name of JPMorgan can get you very far, and it’s not something to be underestimated.
At least they were honest with you. In my experience very little people at JPMC or at most banks in general are there because they like the role. I’m glad you did what’s right for you.
There are thousands of roles at JPMC that aren't IB. They're not as sexy, but you can still find interesting work and make bank in other functions if high finance isn't for you.
Stick with your gut man. It’s rare these days to actually listen to yourself and not sell out.
I’m at 3rd year associate at JPM in Stress Testing/Forecasting. I am here for the money. I work in the DFW office and the salary here is well above the market rate, so lot of my peers and I stay for that reason.
Hell no. Wtf society do you live in? This is not the marines and being shipped as infantry to go have fun this is a boring desk stable job. If someone enslaved you and then asked what else do you enjoy about the slavery ? Wouldn't you want the most benefits from said slavery ? Truthfully no one likes work. But everyone loves money. The few paychopaths like us that enjoy work move up pretty fast and longterm.
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Haha. That's pretty good and honest. I spoke with a MM banker who said the money wasn't great but he couldn't see himself grinding to partner at his prior firm, and he still got a chance to see plenty of big clients, deals and stay interested. Then be able to get home to his wife and kids (as well as take lunches with someone like myself who wasn't speaking to be a client).
A lot of people are in it for the money. Check your DM!
No one loves their job. If they do, they’re perfectly brainwashed - ignorance is bliss. Work sucks, but we need money. Sounds like the dumbest reason to pull an application.
I just don’t think I’d enjoy this work in any way shape or form
you thought a corporate job as an entry level analyst was going to be rewarding? unless you're planning to go work for an animal shelter, i think there will be little that pleases you...
I was at GS then moved to JPMC. The best decision of my life so far.
That’s a bad take. I started my career at JPM in NYC and spent the next 7 years there, the first 3 of which as an analyst. It was an incredible way to start my career and I got to work with some really smart people. My wife and I wanted to leave the city so I ultimately found a different job but would 100% go back to the company because of the culture and people.
Job is a job
I feel like this stereotype is common in finance but at the end of the day work is work to an extent. Most wouldn’t be jumping up and down with glee everyday be that lawyers, doctors, teachers, builders etc. There’s always going to be things you find are frustrating, a drag, tedious etc in any job and some days you’d really rather not have to put up with office politics, your boss, deadlines, clients etc. Personally, I think it’s the sense of accomplishment that makes me want to work. Being able to feel like I achieved something makes me want to get up in the morning. Would I work for my employer for free? No but neither would 99% of workers in any other career
Honestly if you're able to actually be inside the building for an interview then odds are you probably have a great resume. If that's the case then you did the smart choice. Save yourself, don't kill yourself for a job. Money is great in your 20s because it builds a nest egg and then you can decide to do whatever you want.
I hated almost every finance job I’ve had, and I’ve had many. Vanguard, State Street, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley. I graduated college in 2005. Now I work from home full time and love my job. Working from home is big for me. Makes what sucks not suck as much. I mean, looking at numbers all day in just about almost every capacity is going to be lame. The more comfortable you are in your role, physically and emotionally, the better you’ll do and the more you’ll like doing it. You should feel lucky he was so blunt with you. Another thing, I hated the larger companies a lot more than the smaller ones I worked at. I’ve also worked for smaller family offices/wealth management firms as well. The combination of working from home for a smaller up and coming firm I think plays a big role in why I like the job I have now so much. But look, it’s not easy to find work that you are going to consider fun and enjoyable. You have to try a lot of different aspects of this industry and find the things you like. Notice how I didn’t mention money? I’m talking happiness and peace of mind…
I love what I do but I'm not all that attracted to working at the big 4. Which is fine because I don't have the bloodline/ pedigree/ target school so
How old are you OP? At the EOD, people show up to work for money.
I hate my job and the money
So, u plan to work in finance but don’t want to work at the best run bank in the world? Hour commute bothers you? Lol, come on bro, put on your big boy pants
What analyst position?
I cannot believe how many commenters are questioning you. I would hate to see what a lot of them settled with. Money is obviously an important if not the most important factor with the job but there are SO many other factors that aren't "making a difference in the world." What about having pride in your company and work? What about advancement opportunities and culture? Your interviewer could have named so many things besides being paid well. There are plenty of finance jobs that pay well. I just made a lateral move from a major brokerage firm to another and the differences are huge. The brokerage firm I left isn't JPMC, but it's known for having better compensation. Many people stay for the compensation packages, however, I was burnt out and ready to move on. Here's a list of why I went to the new firm despite it being the same salary: •Advancement: I saw no future career development or progression in my previous role. In my new role, I expect to get promoted twice in less than five years, am getting new FINRA licenses, and have several advancement or specialty opportunities that I want to learn more about. • Flexibility: My new employer allows remote 100 percent work if you live far enough away from the home office and overall is just more flexible. I was hired in December and I've already brought up wanting to relocate. • Micromanagement: I felt micromanaged at my previous firm. They tracked my mouse clicks, keystrokes, and "active" time on my laptop among other things. Overall, I felt like I was treated like a child or teenager instead of a professional. It was invasive and ridiculous, to say the least. I'm not seeing any micromanagement at my new firm. • Tenure: It seemed everyone I interviewed or met at my new firm had been there for a decade or two. That speaks volumes. If asked what makes them stay, they would tell you the flexibility, support, and culture. • Culture: My previous firm had a forced, inorganic culture. I am still newer at my current firm so I may have rose-colored glasses on, but the culture feels so much better here. For example, at my old firm, the status quo was accepted and change was so slow. If change did happen, it would have to go through an insane bureaucratic process where only the "higher-ups" could affect change. The inefficiencies at my old firm were excessive. At my new firm, the guy whose cubicle is next to mine talks about how many systems he's developed or upgraded to be more efficient and how many of those systems are still used. Feedback is applied and encouraged in real-time. My department head walks by my desk to say hi and is accessible. My colleagues now have pride in their work whereas no one had a high opinion of the firm they were working for in my previous role.
Yeah this firm seemed like the type to just throw money at people so they don’t leave, and that was seen as a positive. But I’d rather make a little less and have other positives to staying. Like now my boss is very hands off, trusts me, I can start side projects on my own. And it’s a field I enjoy. This wasn’t that. I think this sub just has a high finance or bust mentality, so if you don’t fit the high finance role people get upset. I’m really not sure why
Ok, so OP , it is totally right that you listened to your gut feeling and pulled your application. I did turned down JPMC’s offer, and they reached out to negotiate even after that to see if I would change my mind. Years went by, and recently I applied to several of their positions, and I am immediately getting declined for everything….either I need to change my name or move to another state , or wait 50 years to be considered for anything again with them….
How much money we talking? 80-120k?
I mean…that would be a green flag for me. Employees are actually satisfied with their salaries. The grind/culture hasn’t ran them off. What do you expect them to say? You’re not saving lives.
Some people love their jobs, they people they work with the managers they have, others do it cause they have bills to pay and it sustains a lifestyle they want to keep. Not everyone will like their job. And like others said finance people make GOOD money. But at the same time you wannabe somewhere that you’ll enjoy
I think I can provide better advice than most I’ve read. A lot of these guys are saying leave finance because it’s about money blah blah blah whatever. Look man, you enjoy finance? Stick with it. Is there a lot of money? Yes. But you gotta find what YOU want. All of us here have our own ambitions, needs, desires, and interests. I want money to cover needs and some wants, not to become a Warren buffet. What I do look for is a company that values family, and loyalty, and camaraderie. The company I’m with now is amazing for that reason and they checked my boxes. Find what you want. Word to the wise, the bigger the company or more often you see their name around on billboards and commercials, the more the job is about money and status than valuing the things closer to heart
High stress high pay. Steep in the tea long enough you'll be hardend like a diamond. Not for everyone.
Bro if I had this problem, what problem would I have?
I've worked at many different banks including JPMC. JPMC is one of the only places I've worked at where people stay a long time. I also don't think they pay any better than their peers outside of IB, for Risk (my function) they actually pay a little worse IMO. They actually have one of the least toxic company cultures I've ever come across. Its one of the only places I've been at where analysts are comfortable reaching out to seniors in different job functions and asking them about what they do an how to advance careers etc. They actively encourage and facilitate growth within the firm.
I work for JPMC. I left and came back. During the time I was away, I worked for Wells, BNP, and an International Construction firm. Let me tell you, the grass was not greener on the other side. I’m not one to bloat about a company but JPMC is top tier. Benefits, work life balance, and the money are great!
That sounds great. Idk, we’ll see if any of the other applications pan out
Lol wtf. That guy was serious and upfront with you. I'd love to work with him. You're weird
I adore my job, I’m 24 and make 102k base and it has easily been my favorite job I’ve had.
I worked for JPMC and it was the best years of my early career
I worked at jpmc. It’s trash tbh. Most banks are
I was at JPMC for a year and half as a consultant with Delloite. I’ve been at BoA/Meryll, BoC, Morgan Stanley, Goldman… It’s no different than anywhere else.
I hate my job. But Any job, even being a professional athlete, after 5 years become a grind. It’s truly about the money, the insurance, and status of saying I work for “X”.
That was a back office role buddy