Can I mention in IB interview that I want to do banking is for an unconventional exit opp I want?

My main reason for wanting to do IB is that I want to eventually work in development finance/investment. I think banking will provide me a great chance to learn about the fundamentals of financial transactions and modelling and I intend to then do a masters in Development Economics/ Public policy. I then hope to use my knowledge of finance to work on investment in the development sector. A lot of my current resume and experience in development work helps strengthen this narrative.

Is it ok to mention in the "why banking?" question or the interview in general? Or do I have to pretend like I want to be banker forever?

7 Comments
 

Let me rephrase: Can I mention in an IB interview that I want to leave IB after 2 years to pursue a different career?

On another note, what do you mean by "investment in the development sector"? Genuinely interested.

 

investing in emerging/underdeveloped markets for profit but also with the aim of promoting economic/social development in those countries. For example a PE firm that does this is Actis and in a less profit focused capacity I would love to work for the UK govts DFID or the US government's DFC (Development Finance Corp) which is a subsector of USAID

 

Depends on the place. Some banks don't really care if you're planning to leave after two years - most expect that sort of scenario. But some places will automatically ding you if you mention that in an interview/cover letter. They either expect you to stay longer than two years or want you to pretend like you're going to and not bring it up until it's time to leave.

As a general rule, I wouldn't say that kind of thing in an interview. It can come off as presumptuous, since you don't even have the IB job yet.

 

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