200K+ StratFin Offer vs. Finishing 2 Yr Analyst Program

Hey all,

I'm fortunate to have received an offer from a mid-late stage private firm. Confirmed hours are between 45-60 (low - high range) with the hiring manager and comp above 200K.  All remote as well (biggest perk imo).

For further context, I am a 2nd year analyst (1.5 years into stint) and was originally planning to stick it out the 2 years, but this seems too good to turn down. I'd be crazy to forego this right? I always thought the 2 year stamp was something that people should just do to have that credibility for the rest of their career, but is 1.5 years enough? Frankly, I know banking isn't the right fit for me and that the operator route seems far more interesting (from my perspective). Delaying start for this new role to finish out the 2 year program does not seem feasible as well (new firm gave me a few weeks to extend start date max).

The other issue is that it's a relatively busy time for my group (someone also quit recently) and I hope my departure doesn't burn bridges, but I am prioritizing my career at the end of the day.

This is a no-brainer right? I should take this and not look back? Any merits to stay for the full 2 years? Would staying unlock optionality into larger corporates, etc (better platforms, etc) or is it just better to get my foot in the door rn with this offer?

6 Comments
 
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A $200k+ exit (assuming this is just the cash amount) to a corporate with less than 2 years of work experience is beyond excellent. If it's a job you think you'll like / would've taken anyways after your 2 year mark, take it. It's a great opportunity to work at a mid-late stage company at this point in your career, where you'll have much more direct impact vs a larger company (though working at a large F500 company comes with its own benefits for comparison)

Any sane person on your team is going to understand why you left if you choose to. I've seen several analysts leave before their 2 year marks, and, though no one is thrilled about at the time (as with any job), no one is cursing out their names etc. Overall happy for them and their careers. 

 

Thanks for the insight, makes a ton of sense. Yes it’s 200k+ cash with additional stock option comp (though I’m not really putting much weight on that given it’s private). Feels surreal, but yeah definitely leaning on taking this offer since this might be hard to replicate if I stay past the traditional 2 years. I’m thinking worst case I don’t like it I can leave after 1-2 years to another firm (diff size, etc), but my logic is that for now my 2nd bonus hitting my bank is 8 months away. I’d rather focus on building that operator skill set than doing more of the same until then, if I’m thinking about it the right away

 

Curious as well. Haven't even started my career yet but StratFin is where I wanna be after my analyst stint.

 

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