Big4 Audit Pivot to IB

Hey all,

Currently a 3rd year (about to be 4th) in Big 4 Audit (so can think banking equivalent would be first year associate about to be second year associate). Have recently decided that I want to pivot to IB and am willing to take a first year analyst position at a boutique bank to get my foot in the door. 

How feasible would this be? I have a strong resume (albeit for accounting) and can grind the technicals. Would I be able to land a first year analyst job at a boutique bank (and then lateral to BB after a year or two?)

Appreciate any anecdotes or advice. Thanks!

5 Comments
 

Have not typically seen this as audit skillset much different (albeit both quantitative) and IB analyst pipeline is primarily / almost exclusively summer analysts (at the same or a different shop) to validate that candidates are oriented to what the program is and isn’t and are vetted. Given pivot from current role natural questions / differences will be relative experience, some may take a view on age, and committment (eg you left accounting whose to say you won’t like banking and move back). What I have seen is a B-School reset or those working in accounting move to the IB side at some of the Big 4 (some of them have IB platforms) then move to banking (likely better leveling). 

 

Question specifically mentioned lateraling to a BB. Agree a lot of boutiques looking and even then have not seen it a lot (especially with layoffs at BB) but when I do see it leveling and timing come into play but a potential for sure. 

 
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