Advice on current position
Hi Monkeys, Wanted to begin by saying I know I’m cooked, but would like some advice on what the next best steps are.
I graduated from a UK university (semi-target) with a 4.0 GPA in 2023 with a degree in Economics and Finance, but did not take early interest in IB recruiting at the time.
As a graduate role I managed to secure a MO position as a Valuation Control Analyst in a BB (think JPM/MS/GS) in London, and have gotten tired of thinking the classic regret of “should have done research, should have network, should have looked into the industry, yada yada”.
I should have done all of that, and I know, I’m quite the dumbass. Ive started to complete my CFA exams (I know people will say useless for IB, but want to do something for personal development). I am also planning to do an MBA in a couple of years at a chance for a second try now that I know, and I am aware I will need to achieve good GMATs for a top school. It hit me like a truck after a year working at the bank, so have now started to network internally for an off chance I get an opportunity (I know chances are very slim). I have also started thinking of applying to off-cycles or other FO entry level jobs.
Feel like an idiot and that I am late, and its fine you can call me one too, but was wondering if you guys were in my shoes, what would the best steps be? And how cooked am I?
I appreciate any advice…
Thanks.
Yes this is an extremely difficult situation and your likelihood of moving straight to front office roles is very low.
If I were in your shoes (that is knowing everything that I know now but being in a MO role at a BB with your academic background), I would still be motivated to move into IB / PE. Biased, but I like the job on the whole. So I would do two things. Firstly, I would immediately apply for 2025 MSc courses. With your grades you should be fine; try to get into something finance / economics / accounting related. Second, I would apply for 2025 graduate programs at the Big 4 (audit, TS, or similar). This changes to 2026 graduate programs if you fail to get an offer for 2025. My plan A would be to work in Big 4 for 3 years, get the accounting qualification, and try to move to IB / PE MM firms either directly or after a stint in FDD.
By all means continue to be opportunistic and apply for FO roles and internships, but honestly (and if I really were in your shoes), I would not hold my breath for a FO role directly.
Earum quae architecto necessitatibus non et. Aut exercitationem doloremque eveniet deleniti. Voluptatibus a repudiandae dicta voluptas alias. Quas neque aut in nihil. At cumque non nemo.
Consequuntur omnis hic aut natus consequatur nulla et ea. Laudantium magnam non autem cumque voluptatibus. Laudantium non suscipit ipsum placeat blanditiis. Sed repellendus non distinctio molestias adipisci dolor optio. Sed mollitia veritatis quaerat quia enim in quaerat quis. Provident illum sunt quibusdam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...