From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-16 12:03:00

In the late 1980s, entering Wall Street was less competitive than today, with investment banks now vying for talent against hedge funds, private equity, and tech companies, pushing students to start preparing for internships as early as freshman year.

The shift has led to record numbers of students pursuing Wall Street jobs, despite the challenges of long hours, high stress, and burnout risks, prompting some institutions to implement new guardrails to prevent exhaustion.

While most students aim to start their finance careers in investment banking, the allure lies in the compensation, exit opportunities, and potential for diverse career paths, including hedge funds, private equity, and other finance roles.

Despite concerns about the intense workload and demanding culture, many students see the demanding nature of Wall Street as a rite of passage and a necessary step in achieving their long-term career goals in finance.

As students navigate the competitive landscape of Wall Street, they prioritize financial freedom, compensation, and career advancement opportunities, with aspirations ranging from entrepreneurship to holding C-suite positions in finance firms.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: The Wall Street career path can be brutal. Young people are embracing it.