Hey all,
I'd like to hear everyone (or anyone's) thoughts on letting your interviewers know that you intend to stay in their investment banking division for only 3-4 years.
Before you go ahead, a bit of context: 1. I'm based in Asia (SG/HK) where the 2-year stint then MBA system isn't common (heard its pretty similar in Australia as well) 2. It's something that usually comes up when interviewers ask things along the lines of, "what is your long-term plan?", "what do you see yourself in 5 years?" 3. To be completely honest, right now, my plan is to hopefully get some BB IBD experience for 3-4 years (make associate?) and take a one year hiatus to travel / take a break before doing something else when I'm settled down (still figuring that) 4. I'll be 25 when I start full-time, so the plan is to get out at 29/30?
Any thoughts would be deeply appreciated, cheers!
don't see how this is a good idea
I can understand where you're coming from. But I thought maybe it would allow you to converse in a more personable manner during a interview. I was also thinking that it might make you more genuine. But thanks anyway, cheers!
Generally you're not supposed to bring up pay/prestige/exit ops in an IBD interview in the US.
Well I guess strictly speaking none of that was brought up?
I asked the question because of an encounter I had with a BB associate and he appeared to genuinely want to hear about my life (or at least the next 5 years) plans. I felt the default, politically correct answer would be to say continue in IBD? That sounds awfully boring and typical though.
You can just say what you want to visit X country, be more involved in X, etc. You don't have to outright say you will be leaving the bank because you can technically do these other things (in a more senior role) while in IBD.
This is not a good idea. I will address point 2 mostly because the other ones aren't really as important.
If you get asked "what is your 5 year plan", I would be surprised if people expected you to come up with a definitive answer as an undergraduate student. The way I've answered this question in the past is by saying: "I think am interested in banking right now but it's too early to say whether or not I would stay, given that I am so early in my career", or something like this.
There is an expectation that most analysts will leave after a couple of years. Explicitly saying it will only lead to trouble, especially since firms are so concerned about retaining talent nowadays.
Hey Kaz, really appreciate the response.
I know what you mentioned is generally considered a textbook answer but truth is that I know for sure that I'll be interested in IBD. Either way, I understand your point of view!
Think it could be the way the conversation went during that particular way that convinced me that it'd be okay to give a more personalied response. Thanks again!
If you're already convinced, then why are you asking?
Note the number of people saying it's not a good idea to mention in interviews. From someone who just went through a lot - and this question did come up - it's almost always best to avoid saying that you won't be in banking directly. Allude to other aspects of life, goals, and a little uncertainty but willingness to learn and explore.
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