Career advice: pivoting into IB (UK)
Am currently theorising about potential avenues into IB and would welcome some feedback on the alternative routes I've suggested, or any additional suggestions.
Context: due to qualify as an ACA (equivalent of CPA in the US) in September of this year with one of the big Four; 3 years experience as a forensic advisory consultant (think counter fraud, investigations etc).
I will initially try and recruit for any of the BBsBoutiques offering FT positions for ACA students specifically: MS and JPM recruit ACAs directly, as do several boutiques (although typically within their debt advisory groups). Failing this, I would likely try and pivot into a transactions based group at my Big Four firm or another (e.g. FDD, M&A). However, I don’t particularly want to stay within the Big Four for much longer past qualifying for various reasons.
If unable to secure a FT/experienced professional role at a bank, it would then seem logical to pursue some form of higher education to make myself more competitive in the apps process. My options here:
(1) MiF at LBS (post experience). However, not keen on AM/investment and have heard mixed reviews on the ability of the program to place into IB without prior IB experience.
(2) MBA at LBS. Probably a more recognised/value qualification, but associate/MBA level recruiting in London is hyper competitive due to limited spaces. Cost of programme (and therefore risk) is highest too.
(3) Pursue an MSc at LSE and then recruit for summer analyst postions/full time analyst positions. I would obviously be pushing myself back several years here, as would already have 3 years of professional experience. However, I have no ego and would therefore have no qualms with my associates/VPs etc being as old/older than me in an analyst role. Also cheapest of all the higher education options.
If I were to pursue an additional qualification as described in 1-3, which would you suggest makes me the most competitive/likely to get a role within IB - obviously assuming I am able to get into all three courses (which may not materialise in reality). Also worth noting that I have a first class STEM undergrad degree from a UK target uni.
Cheers
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