SS ER: How to make a transition from a MM IB to BB

I need advice on making the transition from a MM IB to a BB in SS ER. - I’m a non-target with 3 yr. Exp. In the life sciences tools sector. - I have completed all FINRA exams and have an MBA from non-target university.

Any advice will help.

4 Comments
 

Transitioning from a middle-market investment bank (MM IB) to a bulge bracket (BB) in sell-side equity research (SS ER) can be a strategic move, especially with your background in the life sciences tools sector and your educational qualifications. Here are some actionable steps and considerations based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Leverage Your Sector Expertise: Your experience in the life sciences tools sector is a valuable asset. Emphasize your deep industry knowledge and how it can contribute to the BB's research capabilities. Highlight any specific projects or research you've conducted that had significant impacts.

  2. Networking: This is crucial, especially coming from a non-target school. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals working in SS ER at BBs. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and webinars where you might meet BB professionals. Don't hesitate to reach out to alumni from your MBA program who are in the industry.

  3. Strengthen Your Resume and Pitch: Tailor your resume to highlight your expertise in equity research, particularly any analytical work or reports you've authored. Prepare a compelling story for why you want to move to a BB and how your background aligns with the role you're targeting.

  4. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your previous research and how you've generated actionable insights. Familiarize yourself with the BB's research style and recent publications. Be prepared to perform a stock pitch or a detailed sector analysis as part of the interview process.

  5. Consider a Lateral Move if Necessary: If direct entry to a BB seems challenging, consider moving laterally to a similar role in a smaller or similar-sized firm that has strong ties or frequent interactions with BB firms. This can sometimes serve as a stepping stone.

  6. Showcase Your Credentials: Highlight your FINRA certifications and your MBA, as they add to your credibility. Make it clear that you have the necessary qualifications and regulatory knowledge to excel in a BB environment.

  7. Follow Up and Stay Informed: After networking events or interviews, always follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest. Keep yourself updated with major trends and changes in the equity research sector to remain a relevant candidate.

By focusing on these strategies, you can enhance your chances of making a successful transition from MM IB to BB in SS ER.

Sources: 8 Reflections on Leaving IB After a Decade, How to go from BB SA to MBB full time?, Advice for New Analysts Seeking PE Exits, Bulge Bracket ER Q&A, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/eb-vs-bb-long-term-and-exits?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Nam saepe voluptas deserunt maiores ea nisi rerum. Alias quod nisi voluptates id culpa. Est at quis voluptate aut qui animi.

Sunt quisquam non eum corporis. Earum et doloremque temporibus nihil.

 

Cupiditate assumenda distinctio neque et similique et et ut. In voluptas eius officiis officiis dicta autem. Voluptates cumque aperiam molestiae illum suscipit dolor.

Eum laudantium dicta quia corporis totam culpa doloribus. Dolore eveniet rerum omnis. Similique provident inventore et et perspiciatis officiis fuga.

Doloremque totam et sed praesentium autem cupiditate praesentium. Eius et natus esse eos sed sit corrupti. Omnis nemo earum ut. Autem aspernatur officiis aut minus dicta reprehenderit.

[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Placeat nulla numquam fugit eum facere dolorem sequi iste. Voluptates asperiores provident consequuntur qui dolores. Vero nisi atque quas voluptas. Et repellendus alias dolore atque.

Voluptatibus et ad perferendis enim animi. Ut corrupti cum nihil exercitationem et. Temporibus voluptas libero delectus quisquam ut magnam. Non vitae reiciendis non et voluptas iste ullam. Optio ut qui quibusdam. Eum suscipit nostrum dignissimos aut cupiditate quidem. Eveniet modi est consequatur deserunt in velit aliquam.

Molestias eos nihil sed id aut iure vero. Laboriosam inventore eos aut sint esse voluptatem veritatis et.

Ullam voluptates eius dolore dolor nostrum porro. Voluptas facere repellat quas voluptates molestiae. Perferendis amet odio repellat. Quasi reprehenderit rerum maxime molestiae modi aut numquam. Alias recusandae eum ratione deserunt atque neque. Placeat excepturi et quos qui voluptatem qui vel enim.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”