Corporate Finance --> IB
I began my career working for Corporate Finance for one of the large consulting firms and really enjoy it. I am approaching my two year mark and am looking to move to a career in what I am most passionate about, banking, specifically IB.
I was unable to land a position out of undergrad, but now that I have experience, I am wondering how likely it is to move from a corporate finance role to IB (or any banking for that matter)? And if so, would it be an entry level analyst role? I know most firms prefer to hire analysts directly out of undergrad to fill the positions of IB analysts so I am wondering if I am at a disadvantage and if i should adjust my expectations to reality and continue my career in corporate finance, and just transition from a consulting firm to a bank.
If not for a BB IB, would Boutique IB consider a candidate with 2 years in corporate finance for a position? I am just really interested in IB and know I have the will and smarts to be successful in the role. I just have no clue how to break in. I would use my network, but it doesnt really include anyone in IB.
Any advice? Thanks





It's possible, but not
It's possible, but not probable. I have gotten boutique interviews with almost no networking. I'm currently trying to move into ER but I'm certain with the right amount of alumni networking I could. But I also have an alumni network that has a good amount of people in IB. Some of it will depend on your UG background.
Where are you located at? I
Where are you located at? I am in the same situation corp fin for FT200. I used InMails from linkedin and its helped me network. Only problem is there are no openings where I am geographically = cant leverage network yet. Informational coffees seem to work best.
I am located in Dallas Texas.
I am located in Dallas Texas. How have you been using Linked In to network? Are you cold messaging people in the industry?
Cold emails for informational
Cold emails for informational interviews. If they respond, I will get atleast a phone chat.
It can be done, souce: lived
It can be done, souce: lived it.
I spent three years in Corp. Fi, applied at a lot of BBs MMs and Boutiques, always got told, over qualified for analyst, underqualified for associate. When I asked how to fix it, they said either go to research for a few years or get an MBA. Now a CFA, MBA, with three years Corp. Fi and two years ER, starting at a BB in IBD this summer.
overpaid_overworked: It can
It can be done, souce: lived it.
I spent three years in Corp. Fi, applied at a lot of BBs MMs and Boutiques, always got told, over qualified for analyst, underqualified for associate. When I asked how to fix it, they said either go to research for a few years or get an MBA. Now a CFA, MBA, with three years Corp. Fi and two years ER, starting at a BB in IBD this summer.
Congrats man.
"Those who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."- Benjamin Franklin
overpaid_overworked: It can
It can be done, souce: lived it.
I spent three years in Corp. Fi, applied at a lot of BBs MMs and Boutiques, always got told, over qualified for analyst, underqualified for associate. When I asked how to fix it, they said either go to research for a few years or get an MBA. Now a CFA, MBA, with three years Corp. Fi and two years ER, starting at a BB in IBD this summer.
CFA and MBA?
if that's what it takes...
I screwed up coming out of
I screwed up coming out of university and didn't go straight to a bank, wasted so much time because of that, it was a long road back. Got the CFA because I went to a presentation by a Brit from RBCCM talking about what NOMADs do on the AIM, decided it looked like a really cool job, they wanted Level II CFA and some of the Series tests, so I banged out CFA. Then I was considered over qualified for IB Analyst roles, and to make the jump to IB Associate, you almost need to be a senior IB Analyst, be senior Research Associate or be coming from an MBA program.
Scarything is, I talk to guys around the street and there are some guys with heavy talent and lots of experience looking for work, it's competitive, might not be too long before its MBA CFA mandatory.