Accepted IB Return Offer – How Risky Is Requesting a Different Office?
This past summer I worked as an IB SA outside of NY/SF/CHI. I had a great experience and really liked the people I worked with, received a return offer, and ultimately signed it. They have another office in my hometown (another city outside of NY/SF/CHI), and I’ve been heavily considering asking my team to relocate me there for full-time. I could seriously see myself building a career long-term with this bank if I were to be right near home with all of my family and close friends… does anyone have experience with this kind of situation? What’s the best way to approach it with the firm? If an intern were to ask something like this after they signed a return offer with your specific office/team, would you be upset? I don’t want this to backfire and have them think that I am not committed to the team, but I also realize that sometimes it’s best to just ask. Any help would be much appreciated!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how to navigate this situation effectively:
Timing is Key: Since you've already signed the return offer, it's crucial to approach this delicately. Wait until you've built a strong rapport with your team and demonstrated your commitment during the early stages of your full-time role. This ensures they see you as a valuable asset before you make the request.
Frame It Thoughtfully: When you bring up the relocation, emphasize your long-term commitment to the firm. Highlight how being closer to family and friends in your hometown would enhance your ability to focus and thrive professionally. Make it clear that this move aligns with your career goals and would not diminish your dedication to the company.
Leverage Relationships: If you have a mentor or senior team member who supports you, consider discussing your intentions with them first. They can provide guidance and potentially advocate for you when you formally make the request.
Be Flexible: Show that you're open to their needs. For example, you could propose starting in your current office and transitioning to your hometown office after a set period. This demonstrates your willingness to accommodate the firm's priorities.
Understand the Risks: While most firms are open to such requests, there is a chance it could be perceived as a lack of commitment to your current team. To mitigate this, ensure your performance and attitude consistently reflect your dedication.
Formal Request: When you're ready to make the request, do so professionally. Schedule a meeting with your manager or HR, and clearly articulate your reasons, emphasizing your long-term vision with the firm.
Remember, firms value transparency and employee satisfaction. If approached correctly, this request is unlikely to backfire, especially if you've proven your value to the team. Good luck!
Sources: I need your advice, Early IB Offer with exploding deadline - months before normal recruiting, URGENT: No H-1B -> Relocate to HK or M7 B-School?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/current-sa-at-eb-how-to-ask-for-a-relocation-for-full-time?customgpt=1, Just got an IB offer, how do I prepare?
You can ask if HR and staffer if they still have space for the offices you want. I had similar situation when I started out but lucky my BB had an opening in the office I wanted to move to so everything worked out.
Would you recommend reaching out to HR via email first, or reaching out to my staffer/mentors in my original office?
They will not withdraw your already accepted FT offer just for asking
It doesn't hurt to ask at all.
Agree with above. Would ask about their internal relocation policy, and tell them politely that you would be open to moving to your home town if a position opened up. Depends on team sizes etc. but does not sound like a massive ask.
I would highly highly highly recommending starting in NYC or SF (or wherever your largest office is) and making the move after 2 years. Starting in a small office in a medium sized city is detrimental to your career at a point when you won't even have free time to spend with friends + family. You also should really try to maximize the number of new connections you make in those first 1-2 years any way possible and being in the largest offices is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Thanks, appreciate your input — I 100% agree with you, but unfortunately my internship/FT offer were for an office outside of those two cities — the same way my hometown is outside of those two as well. Should I just say screw it and ask to be in one of those two cities? I’m sure relocating to one of those two offices is much more difficult though
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