Advice for FT

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key considerations to help you decide:

1. Family Office Opportunity:

   • The family office (FO) platform offers a unique chance to work closely with a great team and boss, which is invaluable for career growth and mentorship.
   • Being part of a new platform could provide significant autonomy, exposure to investment decisions, and the ability to shape the firm's direction. This is especially appealing if you value entrepreneurial environments.
   • The West Coast location and familiarity with the team are strong lifestyle and professional advantages.

2. Corporate Development Return:

   • Returning to your current corp dev role offers stability and continuity. If you enjoy the work and see long-term growth potential, this could be a solid choice.
   • However, corp dev roles can sometimes limit exit opportunities compared to IBD or FO roles, especially if you're aiming for buy-side positions in the future.

3. Recruiting for IBD:

   • If your ultimate goal is to maximize optionality and potentially transition to private equity or other buy-side roles, IBD could be worth pursuing. It provides rigorous training, deal experience, and a strong network.
   • That said, recruiting for IBD can be highly competitive and time-intensive. Consider whether you're willing to invest the effort and whether the potential payoff aligns with your career goals.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What are your long-term career goals? (e.g., buy-side, entrepreneurship, staying in corp dev, etc.)
• How much do you value work-life balance and location versus prestige and optionality?
• Are you confident in your ability to recruit successfully for IBD, and do you have the time and resources to commit to the process?

Recommendation:

If the FO platform aligns with your long-term goals and offers a compelling mix of autonomy, mentorship, and growth, it could be a fantastic opportunity. However, if you're still uncertain about your career direction and want to keep as many doors open as possible, recruiting for IBD might be worth considering. Just ensure you weigh the risks and effort involved in the recruiting process.

Sources: Two Offers - Need Advice, New Graduate Offer Decision: Forbes 40 Corporate Development vs BB IBD (ECM) vs BIG4 Corporate Finance, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Corporate Development: My Experiences and Background, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities