Low Pay / 6- month Internship / High growth Industry vs Good Pay / low growth Toxic

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can approach this decision:

Key Considerations:

1. Long-Term Career Goals: Your ultimate aim is to move into corporate banking or renewable energy finance. While both options have pros and cons, aligning with your long-term goals is critical.
2. Industry Fit: Renewable energy is a high-growth industry in Europe, and your interest in this sector makes it a compelling choice. However, the internship tasks seem more operational and less analytical, which might not directly build the skills needed for corporate banking.
3. Current Environment: Your frustration with the culture at your current company is a significant factor. A toxic or unsupportive environment can hinder your growth and motivation, even if the role is more stable and better paid.
4. Financial Stability: The financial difference between the two options (€11k vs. €2.5k savings) is notable, especially if you need stability while planning your next steps.

Option 1: Stay at Current Company (FP&A Role)

• Pros:
  • Better salary and financial stability.
  • Potentially more analytical tasks, which could be relevant for corporate banking.
  • No relocation, allowing you to focus on improving your German and networking.
• Cons:
  • The current company culture has been a negative experience, and there’s a risk the new team might have similar issues.
  • Limited growth in the cloud business in Europe, which might not align with your long-term goals in renewables.

Option 2: Renewable Energy Internship

• Pros:
  • Aligns with your interest in renewable energy, a booming industry in Europe.
  • A fresh start in a new environment, which could be mentally refreshing.
  • Potential for future opportunities if the company continues expanding.
• Cons:
  • Lower pay and financial uncertainty after the internship.
  • Tasks are more operational/accounting-focused, which might not directly build the skills needed for corporate banking.

Recommendation:

If your primary goal is to transition into renewable energy finance, Option 2 offers a better industry fit and a chance to break into a high-growth sector. While the internship tasks are less analytical, being in the renewables space could open doors to roles more aligned with your goals. However, the financial uncertainty and operational nature of the role are risks to consider.

If financial stability and skill-building for corporate banking are more critical in the short term, Option 1 might be the safer choice. However, you’ll need to actively address the cultural challenges by networking internally, seeking mentorship, and positioning yourself for a future move.

What Would Max the Monkey Do?

Max would probably swing toward Option 2 if the renewable energy industry excites you and you’re willing to take a calculated risk for long-term alignment with your goals. But if the financial gap feels too steep, stick with Option 1 while aggressively networking and preparing for a future move into renewables or corporate banking.

Action Plan:

1. For Option 1:

   • Network internally to assess the new team’s culture before committing.
   • Use the stability to improve your German and build transferable skills.
   • Start networking externally for roles in renewables or corporate banking.

2. For Option 2:

   • Treat the internship as a stepping stone and focus on building relationships in the renewables industry.
   • Leverage the internship to gain insights into the sector and position yourself for analytical roles in the future.
   • Save aggressively during the internship to mitigate financial risks.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your risk tolerance and how much weight you place on industry alignment versus financial stability.

Sources: Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, Why corporate banking instead of investment banking?, Corporate Banking?, Why corporate banking instead of investment banking?