Transferring from NYC to London

So I've accepted an offer from a BB (think Citi, JPM, Merrill) in NY and I would ultimately like to end up in London for my second year. How should I go about this? Should I start telling people relatively early to get the wheels in motion or wait for a bit and spring it on everyone around 9 months into my analyst stint? Anyone have experience doing this? Feel free to PM me if you have and don't feel like posting.

38 Comments
 

Last summer I also interned at an European bank in NYC. My boss asked my whether I would be interested in working FT for the bank and I told him I want to start in London. So I gave him my application, he forwarded it to the right ppl on London, I got an interview (and AC), nailed it and got an offer.

Just tell everyone (if you know that they like you and are satisfied with your work) that you really want to work for this bank and let them know you want to go to London. They'll help you!

Good luck!

... may I ask which bank it is?

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I'm curious as well.

How does an American even interview in London? will they fly you in from across the pond for a face-to-face interview/super day?

"If you can count your money, you don't have a billion dollars." - J. Paul Getty
 

I joined the London desk FT after a SA in NY, since it would be a great experience for what I'm doing (S&T).

Jack: They’re all former investment bankers who were laid off from that economic crisis that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have zero real world skills, but God they work hard. -30 Rock
 

If anything I would move to Asia. Major opportunities are opening up there and many MD's I've met at banks have reiterated that they're shifting a lot of their focus towards that region.

 
DeterminedIf anything I would move to Asia. Major opportunities are opening up there and many MD's I've met at banks have reiterated that they're shifting a lot of their focus towards that region.
Not only that, but UBS' new head of investment banking just relocated to Hong Kong for his global headquarters, as did the head of GE Real Estate with his top 30 guys.
I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 
futuretrader1999Can anyone comment on how easy it is to go to Asia or latam on the trading side? Does it help as a Spanish speaker down there?

you need to be able to speak spanish...having citizenship is a plus

I eat success for breakfast...with skim milk
 
WellsNoticeLondon has worse weather? Uglier women? Shittier food? Love the EPL tho I'd go for that reason alone.

Worse weather: Yes. Uglier women: You've obviously been to the wrong parts of town. Shittier food: Once again, you've been to the wrong places.

 

As a place to live London is MUCH nicer than NYC. I grew up outside NYC and work in London now, the neighborhoods in London shit all over even the nicest neighborhoods in NYC. There is nothing in New York that even compares to places like Kensington, Belgravia, Chelsea, Mayfair, Marylebone, etc.

That being said, the Americans I know who dislike London generally tend to be the frat guy types who miss American sports, the bars in Murray Hill, etc. This is totally understandable to miss what you enjoyed in the country you grew up in, but most Americans I know who work in the banks over here tend to agree that London is a hell of allot nicer.

 

So you are looking to screw yourself? Of coarse the HR person will contact the HR person in NY and HR person in NY will contact your boss and your boss will not be happy to hear about this from their lips. Wanting to be somewhere else is ok, but it often results in not getting the offer even if you speak to your boss first. They will only keep you if you are a top notch analyst and they don't want to lose you or they really like you for some reason. Otherwise, chances are they will not make much effort to recommend you to London - they just won't give you a job in NYC.

IF you hate it there then look for a job in London in another firm. Take a chance, but know that you have a great chance of not getting an offer at all. If you get an offer stick with the NYC and move back later. Remember, you are an SA not some hot shot with privilages :)

I was in a similar spot once, but each place could be different.

Do what you want not what you can!
 
Cal.Bear.Finding.Bullswait until you have a full time offer at your current firm, sit down with your boss and explain why you'd be interested in London, and then contact HR. If you are at a BB they are usually pretty accommodating for SAs who are interested in a different location or group.
I agree with this approach. Far less risky.
CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

I think banks have a sort of "no poach" policy when it comes to their offices in other locations. They simply don't want to train and trust you, only to then "lose" you to London. I have never heard of an SA doing an internship at location X and then going FT at location Y, UNLESS there was no headcount at location X, but some at location Y or if for some reason you couldn't get a work visa (which I guess does not apply to you). Most common thing to do is work 1-2 years FT and then transfer. So, unless you are the #1 intern this summer or happen to work a LOT with people from the London office, I would really get the offer first and see then. Also, it's better to talk to your Junior mentor first (or someone you do trust, but is ideally not in your team) and then go ask about previous analysts moving abroad (don't mention right away that you want to move). If they don't know of ANYONE moving after an SA, it's safe to assume you should wait a bit. However, my advice is be VERY careful with what you say (and who you talk to). News travels super fast at a bank and when only 50% (or less) interns are given FT offers, coming across as not completely loyal may quickly work against you in getting an offer at all.

 

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