Alternatives to M&A

I am an A2A in a BB M&A group. While there are certain aspects of working with public strategics that I find interesting, I have concluded I do not like many aspects of doing deals (all the process crap, false precision valuation/fairness opinion work, due diligence, etc.) and do not envy or want to be any of the mid level / senior bankers I work for. I have had this sentiment since I started banking (and didn’t recruit for PE as a result) but have generally liked my group enough to stick around. I am pretty analytical, I like markets (or at least the idea of them) but don’t spend the limited free time I have researching investment ideas. I feel a bit stuck and was wondering if anyone had a similar experience. Would be curious to hear how you navigated this. 

3 Comments
 

Sounds like equity research may be something to consider. Essentially it's the public company analysis, competitor analysis, industry trend type work you'd get in banking, without the actual "doing deals" and redundant "process" part.While the money isn't banking money, it's nothing to scoff at and can be lucrative if you can become IIA rated as a senior analyst.Ultimately you will never be successful in a job you're not happy in, because you won't be 100% committed. Find what you like and don't chase the money, it'll find you.

 

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