Capital Markets (ECM) vs Traditional IB for 2027 SA – Am I Overthinking This?

Hey all, would appreciate some advice.

I landed a 2027 SA offer in Capital Markets, likely ECM, at a BB (not GS/MS/JPM, but still solid). I’m grateful for it, but I’m debating whether I should keep recruiting for a more traditional IB role or even look at consulting.

My main concern is exits. People always say CM/ECM has weaker buyside opps because there’s less modeling compared to coverage or M&A. I’d like to keep PE, growth, or HF optionality open if possible.

Am I overthinking the “ECM has bad exits” narrative? Is it realistic to lateral to a coverage or M&A group later if I get the return? Or should I keep on recruiting?

Part of me thinks I should just take the win, do well, and reassess later, but I don’t want to box myself in early.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s seen this play out.


 

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