FLDP vs ER?
I have an offer at a F200 Global company with a CEO and CFO who like me and endorsing for me, but I also have a strong lead in a Tier 3 ER Industrials entry level gig in NYC — under a strong analyst. I interned at the F200, but don’t think the industry is super interesting, are going though a divestiture of a major revenue driver, and have some doubts and see some real risks with the remaining company’s bookings traction… On the other hand, for ER, I love the public markets, can live in NYC rent pretty much rent free if I stay with a family member, and get real reps with modeling and other technical skill work… I would love to work in AM, but think my buyside exits if any would be at most likely Long onlys — which is right in the crosshairs of passive… CF is nice, but it’s almost too chill for me - no stress, lax deadlines, easy work, and bureaucratic. Also, I feel like I’m surrounded by a lot of non-ambitious pencil pushers… I think the CF path has more stable long term upside, but it will pigeonhole me too, also it’s in not my favorite city….Any suggestions?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide:
FLDP (F200 Global Company)
Pros:
Cons:
Equity Research (Tier 3 Industrials, NYC)
Pros:
Cons:
Key Considerations
Recommendation
If you’re truly passionate about public markets and can handle the potential risks of a Tier 3 ER role, go for ER. The technical skills and NYC experience could open doors to AM or other opportunities. However, if you value stability, long-term growth, and a structured career path, the FLDP is the safer bet, especially with the CEO and CFO backing you.
Ultimately, it comes down to your risk tolerance and what excites you more: the dynamic, skill-intensive world of ER or the stable, structured path of corporate finance.
Sources: Which F500 Entry Level Job to Take?, Corporate Finance Q&A with accountingbyday, BJM85, STorIB, and djfiii, Feel Trapped, Exit Opps From Sell-Side ER?, Equity Research: Wall Street's Best Kept Secret, Post MBA IB associates, how did you know you could handle the life?
It seems like you understand the pros and cons pretty well and you just need to decide what matters more to you.
But if it were me, ER 100 times out of 100. I'd take the ER offer and never look back.
if this is a difficult decision to make you may have trouble in ER
Hi! I have done both, but swap SS ER with LO ER and FLDP with corporate development. I liked both and enjoy my seat, but I think the answer mainly boils down to senior support and trust.
In LO world, determinants of your success are flows, how much your boss supports you and the alpha you generate. In corporate it’s mainly how much your boss likes you (I’m assuming this company is solid and solvent).
Because you have to start from SS seat, you really have no real insight on where you’ll land after. I’d see that as a considerable risk, but by any means, if you like your boss in the SS gig and trust he will mentor and won’t work you to the bone, I think it’s a good good place to start. Probably much easier to go back to FLDP than the other way around.
However, be aware that both ER and LO are under pressure for fees, so make sure you know what you are getting into. Having to work 60+ hours a week and having P&L stress and having to grovel for a raise is no fun.
On a side note, I love my LO job, I get to travel a decent amount, meet companies, make ok money and I have a great PM, so for me the switch was worth it. If any of those were to not be there anymore, I’d probably reconsider going back to corporate.
Thanks a ton for your input. Yeah, Ik if I go to FLDP it will be a lot harder to break in… Do you have any insights into pay? Are you on a PM track? How bad is the stress? Where do you see your career going next 5-10years out?
Hi. Good questions. Can’t really comment on comp progression as I am relatively junior, but definitely heard of people earning TC 750K-1mn as PMs.
As for me, yea, on PM track. Shop is peculiar in a sense that you are made APM relatively early. I was quoted 3-4 years to get there, depending on how good you are tbh. First year was risk off, but I was “lucky” enough to make some good pitches and a couple of PMs made money out of those, so now I feel I am respected.
I’m in no rush to take risk, tbh. I run a paper book (always great to have track record ASAP) and personally don’t find it too stressful, but 2/3 of my “bets” have made money so far, so probably also why. It really does depend on you, I personally found receiving emails at 2 AM much more anxiety inducing. Not that it would be your case on the FLDP, but my two cents.
Since those times I have definitely pulled 1-2 AM several times, but it was so infinitely better to do it because you are curious about a stock rather than because your manager would scream at you otherwise.
For long term: honestly a question I am grappling with ATM. If you are a good PM it pays off to stay in this business long term, as you probably won’t find much that is hours-adjusted as profitable. If I’m a mediocre PM, probably ending up in a company of my coverage or some sort of AM product role or SWF allocation.
If CEO and CFO know you it's huge. They don't know 99.9% of people in the company
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