Insights from incoming Investment Bankers

In May 2025, RecruitU surveyed incoming investment banking (IB) analysts participating in private equity recruiting, and conducted in-depth interviews with over 100 to better understand their recruiting expectations, preferences, and decision-making criteria. Their responses point to a clear  shift in expectations with real implications for how firms engage and compete for top talent. 

Top candidates are no longer choosing firms based on brand alone. Instead, they want clarity on what makes a firm distinct—its strategy, culture, track record, and people. Many feel under informed and frustrated by the lack of transparency in the recruiting process.  They increasingly want to engage directly with firms, rather than relying on indirect channels, such as peers, alumni and third-party recruiters, for information critical to their decisions.

Download our report to learn more about what is now driving candidate decision making and the actions PE firms can take to align with what top talent wants.