6 months in corporate finance to IB

Hi everyone, I am in the position where I’ve worked 6 months for a big 4 Corporate finance team, as a graduate. My goal is to work at the biggest brand name IB firm that I can. I am also still considered a graduate until the end of the year. Would it be wrong of me to try and jump ship from my current grad role, only 6 months in? Would this burn bridges? I have a really accomodating team where I am. Perhaps it would be wise to see out at least a year, and then look to get into IB? I am just conscious of not leaving the jump too late and that the earlier I get there, the better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice regarding your situation:

  1. Timing and Experience:

    • Many users suggest that staying in a role for at least a year can be beneficial. It allows you to gain more experience and demonstrate commitment, which can be valuable when applying to top IB firms.
    • For example, in the thread "Should I quit after 6 months on the job?", a user from a non-target school working in a tier 1 investment bank considered quitting after a year to find a good exit opportunity.
  2. Burning Bridges:

    • Leaving a job too early can potentially burn bridges, especially if you have an accommodating team. It's important to maintain good relationships as you never know when you might need a reference or support in the future.
    • In the thread "Quitting major Investment Bank in NYC after 2 months...?", users discussed the importance of not burning bridges and ensuring you leave on good terms.
  3. Career Trajectory:

    • Jumping to a role that aligns more closely with your long-term career goals can be beneficial. For instance, in the thread "Can I leave 6 months in?", a user considered leaving their role as a credit analyst to join a boutique AM firm, believing it would benefit their career trajectory and provide better opportunities for B-School.
  4. Strategic Moves:

    • If you decide to make the move, ensure you have a solid plan and possibly an offer in hand before resigning. This approach was highlighted in the thread "Should I quit after 6 months on the job?", where the user planned to find a good exit opportunity before quitting.
  5. Personal Stories:

    • Personal experiences shared by users, such as in the thread "Quitting major Investment Bank in NYC after 2 months...?", can provide valuable insights. One user shared their story of interning at a top IB and realizing it wasn't for them, which helped them make an informed decision about their career path.

In summary, while it might be tempting to jump ship early, it could be wise to stay for at least a year to gain more experience and avoid burning bridges. However, if you have a clear opportunity that aligns with your long-term goals, it might be worth considering the move, but ensure you do so strategically and maintain good relationships with your current team.

Sources: Quitting major Investment Bank in NYC after 2 months...?, Should I quit after 6 months on the job?, Can I leave 6 months in?, Quit IB after a month, Advice on career and the switch into investment banking

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

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