RareLiquid Careers:Finance Career Education

In the competitive world of finance careers, where networking and insider knowledge often determine success, one content creator has built a thriving education business by pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to break into investment banking, consulting, and top MBA programs. Ben Chon, founder of RareLiquid Careers, has transformed his experience as a JP Morgan investment banker and Wharton MBA graduate into a multi-platform educational empire that’s helping thousands navigate the notoriously opaque world of elite business careers.

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From Investment Banking Burnout to Content Entrepreneur

Ben Chon’s journey to becoming a career educator is itself a masterclass in pivoting when life demands it. After graduating from UC Berkeley, Chon landed what many would consider a dream job: an investment banking analyst position at JP Morgan in San Francisco. Over three years, he closed 15 transactions valued at over $14 billion, establishing himself as a competent dealmaker in the high-stakes world of finance.

But in 2018, his mother’s diagnosis with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) forced him to reevaluate everything. He quit investment banking without a plan and backpacked around the world for six months to figure things out. What followed was an unconventional path: he started a fashion brand called Aesthetic Studios, lived in Korea for three years, and eventually found his calling in content creation.

In January 2021, while waiting for business school decisions, Chon launched his YouTube channel RareLiquid. What started as a side project quickly gained momentum. By November 2021, he was earning $19,000 per month from his YouTube-based content business. That figure grew to $26,000 per month by November of the same year, generated through YouTube AdSense, brand sponsorships, course offerings, resume mentoring, and Patreon subscriptions.

Today, RareLiquid has become a significant force in finance career education. His YouTube channel has grown to over 235,000 subscribers, with over 10 million views. RareLiquid operates as an online education company offering investment banking courses, MBA preparation courses, and management consulting courses, alongside resume banks, templates, and one-on-one mentorship programs.

The Mission: Leveling the Playing Field

What sets RareLiquid apart is its core mission. The platform aims to level the playing field for those interested in business careers. This democratization ethos runs through everything Chon creates from his podcast interviews with professionals at Bain, McKinsey, and top tech companies, to his detailed breakdowns of recruiting processes and MBA experiences.

Unlike traditional career services that often cost thousands of dollars or require elite university access, RareLiquid makes insider knowledge accessible through free YouTube content, affordable courses, and community-driven learning. Chon’s content covers the full spectrum of business careers: investment banking, private equity, venture capital, management consulting, product management at tech companies, and MBA programs.

Chon has stated his goal with RareLiquid is always to make content that no one else is making, and he’s succeeded. While other finance YouTubers focus narrowly on technical skills or generic advice, Chon goes deeper into the unspoken truths of business careers the recruiting drama, the cultural realities of different firms, the actual day-to-day work, and even topics like MBA dating culture that others avoid.

Why RareLiquid’s Content Is Genuinely Helpful

RareLiquid’s educational content stands out in the crowded finance education space for several compelling reasons:

1. Authentic, First-Hand Experience

Chon isn’t teaching theory or recycled advice. He lived the career path he teaches. His investment banking experience at JP Morgan gives him credibility when discussing analyst life, deal processes, and exit opportunities. His MBA from Wharton positions him to provide insider perspectives on MBA recruiting, culture, and outcomes. This lived experience makes his advice specific, nuanced, and trustworthy.

2. Interview-Based Learning Model

Rather than positioning himself as the sole expert, Chon leverages an interview format that brings diverse voices to his audience. His podcast and YouTube channel feature conversations with professionals at McKinsey, Bain, Goldman Sachs, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and countless other prestigious firms. This approach provides multiple perspectives and allows viewers to learn from people currently working in the roles they aspire to, not just someone who left years ago.

3. Unfiltered, Honest Conversations

One of RareLiquid’s biggest strengths is its willingness to discuss the uncomfortable truths about business careers. Chon covers topics that most career advisors won’t touch: the politics of recruiting, the social dynamics at business school, the mental health challenges of investment banking, the reasons people quit, and the realities of work-life balance. This honesty helps aspiring professionals make informed decisions rather than chasing prestige blindly.

4. Comprehensive Career Roadmaps

RareLiquid doesn’t just inspire it instructs. The platform offers detailed courses on investment banking recruiting, MBA applications, and management consulting. These courses include resume banks with real examples, cover letter templates, interview preparation frameworks, and step-by-step recruiting timelines. Students get actionable resources they can implement immediately.

5. Community and Accessibility

Through Patreon, online courses, and social media engagement, RareLiquid has built a community where aspiring finance professionals can connect, share experiences, and support each other. This community aspect extends the value beyond just consuming content it creates networks that can lead to referrals and job opportunities.

6. Multi-Platform Presence

With 235,000+ YouTube subscribers, 16,000 Instagram followers, and a popular podcast, Chon meets his audience wherever they are. His content ranges from 45-minute deep-dive interviews to quick Instagram tips, making elite career knowledge accessible regardless of how much time someone has.

RareLiquid’s Unique Edge in Content Creation

Ben Chon possesses several distinctive advantages that give RareLiquid a competitive moat in the finance education space:

The Corporate Refugee Narrative

Chon’s story resonates because it’s relatable. He achieved the dream JP Morgan, big deals, prestige but it wasn’t enough. His article “Why I Quit Investment Banking to Travel the World” garnered significant attention, striking a chord with thousands facing similar crossroads. His willingness to walk away from the golden handcuffs gives him authenticity that pure career cheerleaders lack.

Dual Perspective: Insider + Outsider

Having worked in investment banking and then left to pursue entrepreneurship, Chon offers both insider knowledge and critical distance. He can teach the game while also questioning whether it’s worth playing. This dual perspective helps students make decisions that align with their values, not just their résumés.

Storytelling Over Instruction

Rather than dry, instructional content, Chon emphasizes storytelling. His videos and podcasts feel like conversations with a knowledgeable friend, not lectures from a professor. This approach makes complex topics like LBO modeling or case interview frameworks more digestible and memorable.

Vulnerability and Personal Branding

Chon shares his struggles openly his mother’s illness, his fashion brand failure, his uncertainty about the future. This vulnerability creates deep trust and makes him likable. In the often sterile world of finance, his authenticity stands out.

Content Diversification

While many finance educators focus solely on technical skills, Chon covers the entire ecosystem: recruiting strategies, firm culture comparisons, day-in-the-life content, salary negotiations, exit opportunities, MBA experiences, and even personal finance and crypto investing. This breadth keeps his audience engaged across multiple career stages.

Strategic Partnerships and Sponsorships

RareLiquid has secured partnerships with leading test prep and training companies. His audience benefits from discount codes for Wall Street Prep, Target Test Prep (GMAT), Exponent (PM interviews), and other resources. These partnerships add value for viewers while creating additional revenue streams for the business.

Asian-American Representation

As an Asian-American content creator in finance, Chon provides representation for a demographic heavily present in finance but often underrepresented in educational content creation. This representation matters and helps build loyalty among viewers who see themselves reflected in his story.

The Industries RareLiquid Teaches: Proven Opportunity

Ben Chon’s decision to focus on investment banking, consulting, and MBA programs is backed by compelling industry data showing these career paths offer substantial opportunity and strong long-term prospects.

Investment Banking: Growing Despite Challenges

The investment banking industry presents significant opportunity for those who can break in:

Market Size and Growth:

• The global investment banking industry reached a market size of $159.2 billion by the end of 2024, marking 4.7% growth
• Merger and acquisition activities are expected to hit a record value of $5 trillion globally, fueled by technology and healthcare deals
• Analysts expect global M&A volumes to rise another 15% in 2025
• There are 381,854 people employed in investment banking and securities intermediation in the US as of 2025

Career Demand:

• Investment banking is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations
• There will be about 40,100 job openings annually
• Jobs in the investment banking and securities dealing industry are growing faster than the average occupation

Compensation:

• As a first-year analyst in the US, base salary ranges between $100,000 and $125,000, plus bonuses that often push total compensation past $200,000
• The average salary of an investment banker in the US for 2024 is approximately $172,531
• Top analysts can get promoted to associate in just two or three years, with bigger deals, bigger paychecks, and bigger responsibilities

Market Activity:

• The US IPO market saw its best performance since 2021, with over $250 billion raised in 2023
• Investment banking fees from IPO underwriting are expected to rise by 15% in 2024
• Private equity fundraising surged to $750 billion globally, with technology remaining the most attractive sector for investment

Future Outlook:

• After a slow couple of years, deal activity picked up in mid-2024, with hiring starting to pick up again in the second half of 2024
• Banks like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are growing their analyst classes, especially in tech, healthcare, and industrials

Management Consulting: Consistent Growth and Diversification

The management consulting industry that RareLiquid teaches offers even broader opportunities:

Market Size:

• The management consulting services market generated $357.85 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $451.28 billion in 2030, advancing at a 4.75% CAGR
• The management consulting market size was valued at $303.10 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.27% from 2025 to 2032, reaching nearly $457.11 billion by 2032
• The global management consulting industry is valued at over $1 trillion and projected to grow at an 8% compound annual growth rate by 2028

US Market Strength:

• Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 3.7% over the past five years, to reach an estimated $407.3 billion in 2025
• The US management consulting services market size is estimated at $125.56 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $168.56 billion by 2030

Profitability for Consultants:

• The industry average gross margin for boutique consulting firms is 20-40%, with high-performing firms seeing margins of 50-70%+
• Over 50% of consultants reach their previous income level as employees within 2 years of starting their consulting business
• General management consulting hourly rates ranged from $75 for less experienced consultants to $175-$325 for those with 15+ years of experience

Career Flexibility:

• 48% of US adults are either currently working or have worked as an independent professional at some point in their career
• Consulting offers excellent exit opportunities into corporate strategy, private equity, venture capital, and executive leadership roles

MBA Programs: Strong ROI Despite Market Softening

The MBA programs that RareLiquid helps students access continue to deliver value:

Employment Outcomes:

• 80% of MBA graduates are employed within three months
• The Two-Year MBA class of 2024 received average base salary of $161,967
• Wharton MBA graduates in 2024 had a median annual salary of $175,000

Salary Growth:

• The average annual salary of an MBA graduate is $115,000
• Earning an MBA can increase your salary by an average of $45,000
• MBA graduates increased their salaries by an average of $41,000, or about 46% after earning their degree

Signing Bonuses:

• The MBA class of 2024 had an average signing bonus of $34,849
• Wharton reported the highest average signing bonus among schools at $39,856

Long-Term Value:

• The average MBA graduate makes $4,110,000 in their lifetime
• A 10-year ROI of up to 325% is expected for MBA alums who graduate from top-ranked business schools
• Over 50% of MBA graduates change careers post-degree, demonstrating the degree’s flexibility

Industry Placement:

• Over 40 percent of Johnson 2024 graduates are employed in the financial services industry
• 42.8% of MBA graduates work in the finance and accounting sectors

Emerging Opportunities in the Fields RareLiquid Covers

Beyond the core statistics, several trends support the value of the careers RareLiquid teaches:

Technology Integration:

• 87% of enterprises that embarked on digital overhauls now rely on external advisors
• Generative AI projects already represent up to 40% of new engagements among leading consulting firms
• Investment banks are emphasizing upskilling programs, with 70% of firms offering advanced courses in AI, blockchain, and financial modeling

Global Expansion:

• The demand for multi-lingual professionals, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, has increased by 25%, driven by cross-border deal flows
• North America led with 37.90% market share in 2024, and Asia-Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing region at a 10.70% CAGR to 2030

Sustainable Finance Growth:

• In 2023, green and sustainable finance deals grew by 35%
• Green finance mandates reached a new high, with sustainable bonds totaling $500 billion in 2023

Exit Opportunities:

• There are excellent exit opportunities at each level in various financial roles including private equity, venture capital, consulting, and hedge funds
• Investment banking and consulting serve as launching pads for diverse career paths, multiplying their value

Challenges RareLiquid Addresses

The finance career landscape that RareLiquid serves is notoriously difficult to navigate, and Chon’s content directly addresses the key pain points:

Information Asymmetry

Elite finance recruiting operates largely on insider knowledge. Students at target schools with strong alumni networks have massive advantages. RareLiquid democratizes this knowledge, sharing recruiting timelines, networking strategies, interview questions, and firm-specific insights that would otherwise only be available to the privileged few.

Lack of Transparency

Investment banks and consulting firms rarely discuss compensation, work-life balance, or culture candidly during recruiting. RareLiquid’s interview format allows professionals to speak more openly about these topics, helping candidates make informed decisions rather than discovering harsh realities after accepting offers.

Expensive Traditional Resources

Career coaching for finance can cost thousands of dollars. MBA consulting services charge $5,000-$8,000 or more. RareLiquid offers much of this knowledge for free or at a fraction of traditional costs, making it accessible to students who can’t afford premium services.

Diverse Representation

The finance industry struggles with diversity, and many students from non-traditional backgrounds don’t see themselves represented in finance careers. Chon’s Asian-American identity and unconventional path (fashion brand, world travel, content creation) shows that there are many ways to build a finance career beyond the standard trajectory.

Mental Health and Burnout

The finance industry has high rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression, but these topics are rarely discussed openly. Chon’s willingness to share his own struggles and interview others about work-life balance helps students prepare for the mental health challenges of demanding careers.

The Future is Bright for Finance Career Education

RareLiquid exists at the intersection of several powerful trends that ensure continued relevance and growth:

Growing Demand for Career Guidance: As traditional career services at universities struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing industries, students are increasingly turning to online creators for advice. The creator economy in education is thriving, and RareLiquid is well-positioned as a leader.

Continued Prestige of Finance Careers: Despite periodic downturns, investment banking and consulting remain among the most sought-after career paths for ambitious college graduates. Top schools continue to send 30-50% of their classes into finance and consulting, creating a consistent audience for RareLiquid’s content.

Remote Work and Global Accessibility: The shift toward remote work has made RareLiquid’s online courses and content accessible to international students and those at non-target schools. The democratization of information continues to expand the total addressable market.

Multi-Revenue Stream Business Model: By combining YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, courses, one-on-one mentorship, and community subscriptions, RareLiquid has built a resilient business that isn’t dependent on any single income source. This diversification protects against platform changes or market shifts.

Community-Driven Growth: RareLiquid’s engaged community creates network effects. Students who land their dream jobs become the next generation of interview subjects, creating a virtuous cycle of content and credibility.

Conclusion

RareLiquid Careers represents a new model of career education one built on authenticity, accessibility, and genuine desire to help others succeed. Ben Chon’s journey from burned-out investment banker to successful content entrepreneur demonstrates that there are many ways to build a meaningful career, even in traditional industries like finance.

His content is helpful because it’s honest, experienced, and comprehensive. It addresses the real questions students have but are afraid to ask, and provides actionable frameworks they can implement immediately. His unique edge comes from his lived experience, storytelling ability, interview-based format, and willingness to discuss taboo topics.

Most importantly, RareLiquid teaches career paths that offer genuine opportunity. Investment banking, management consulting, and MBA programs continue to provide strong compensation, skill development, and career optionality despite periodic market challenges. With hundreds of billions in market size, steady growth projections, and evolving opportunities in technology and sustainability, these industries will remain attractive for ambitious professionals.

For students looking to break into elite finance careers, RareLiquid offers an invaluable resource: the insider knowledge and authentic perspectives that were once available only to the privileged few. And for Ben Chon, it’s a business that aligns his skills, experiences, and values proving that you can leave investment banking and still build something valuable by helping others navigate the same path.

The future belongs to educators who can demystify complex career paths, build genuine communities, and create content that both inspires and instructs. RareLiquid Careers is doing exactly that, one video, podcast, and course at a time.