Modeling while in IB

Senior in college going into an m&a role in NYC. I’m a decent looking guy and I’ve been modeling since senior year of high school. I don’t make enough for a living, and I think I’m a bit too normal to do it as a job, but honestly it’s fun and I’d like to keep doing it on and off like I have been when I start work.

Only issue is I don’t want to be that retard soy boy or anything like that in the office. Plus don’t want my commitment to the firm in question. No one at the firm or involved in my recruitment to the firm knows. Do you think I can keep doing it in the dl?

4 Comments
 

Balancing a side activity like modeling with a demanding M&A role in NYC can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you should consider:

  1. Discretion is Key: If you want to keep modeling on the down-low, ensure it doesn’t interfere with your primary job. M&A roles are notorious for long hours and high expectations, so your commitment to the firm must remain unquestionable.

  2. Time Management: M&A roles often demand unpredictable hours, especially during live deals. If modeling gigs require significant time commitments, it could raise questions about your availability and focus. Prioritize your job and only take on modeling opportunities that fit seamlessly into your schedule.

  3. Professional Image: While modeling is a legitimate and respectable activity, some colleagues might not understand or could perceive it as a distraction. To avoid being labeled or judged, keep your modeling separate from your professional identity. Avoid discussing it openly in the office unless you’re confident it won’t impact perceptions.

  4. Firm Policies: Check your firm’s policies on outside employment or activities. Some firms have strict guidelines about side gigs, especially if they involve public exposure or potential conflicts of interest.

  5. Long-Term Goals: Think about where you see yourself in the future. If M&A is your primary career focus, ensure modeling doesn’t detract from your professional growth. However, if modeling is a passion you want to pursue more seriously, you might need to reassess your priorities down the line.

In short, yes, you can likely keep modeling on the DL, but it requires careful management of your time, discretion, and a clear understanding of your firm’s expectations.

Sources: Q&A: West Coast Tech IB Analyst, For those of you who worked at a BB that has a separate modeling group (M&A), do you feel like you gain less technical skills?, Structuring and Flow in an M&A Model, Help! MD is asking me to come with him, Closed topic

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

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