Coverage Placement Process Ruining Dreams
Looking for genuine advice here because I’m in such a low spot and at the end of the rope here. Incoming FT generalist at BB. Placement is in the summer but from the folks I’ve spoken with (when I was there over the summer) is that this BB is probably the most political bank out there in terms of university/placement. Ex: sponsors completely harvard/nyu. Consumer all Yale. To the point where I can’t even sniff a response from juniors in any of the groups to get on the phone. Not 1 email back. My non target has 1 other person in the entire investment bank despite being inside top 30 school, and she's in product. Just not a place we’ve sent kids unfortunately.
In the summer I was in product. My team at the end of the summer said to me you should go do coverage because we think that’s a better fit for you and clearly something you want to do. However, given the placement is so political and I’ve been told there isn’t a prayer, it makes me feel very defeated. I worked so so so hard to land this bank. Placement was bad the first time let alone the second. It's like I came all this way just to hold the silver medal. Everyone knows product pay is less, exit ops are away hiding inside Epstein's golden temple, and the outlook is really not great. I want to take on the challenge of coverage because I can do it. I cannot tell you how easy product groups were. Sorry that makes me seem like a jerk. Just speaking from my experience.
There is only 1 product group I would consider and it’s not in ECM or DCM so use your imagination as to what it might be. However, it’s such a niche product there’s no room to transition to coverage later down the line or even ECM/DCM.
My question to you: at what point in your career is coverage not an option? After the analyst years in product it’s pretty much quiet to move to coverage, no? You would be an associate with no modeling experience. No better than an MBA associate who at least is starting there.
Right now my plan is that, if I get put in product, I would sit there for 6-7 months and try to move internally or to similar bank to do coverage. I’ve been told not to “downgrade” to a MM like BNP, RJ, etc just to do coverage if I get thrown in product but idk if this is sound. I gave up everything to land at this top BB but the final step to coverage seems far. If anyone has advise on bridging this gap or how to finally get into coverage at a similar firm (especially given the headcount reduction) I would appreciate it.
Following
Bump
Did two years in ECM and easily moved internal into a coverage group of my choosing. You’ll be fine as long as you are well liked within the product group
How did you initiate the switch? Talking to your product group first or HR?
Cuz everyone dipped for PE/buyside after 2 years so spots naturally opened up for laterals (both internal and external).
I spoke with the coverage groups COO I wanted to go too first to make sure they would want to take me. After that, HR and my product group. Just make sure there’s a spot for you at what ever group you want and you should be good. There was no job posting or anything, I just went to them directly and a few weeks later I was on the team
Barclays?
No
_
Is coverage harder than M&A, RX or LevFin?
No Rx at BB
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So LevFin is the most chill?
Most BBs won't let you move internally until 1 year minimum, and lateraling at 6 months to a top bank will also be tricky. That said the move is very easy at 1 year or even 2 years, having bank experience (i.e. direct finance experience, knowledge of systems and slides) is still better than an MBA associate who can barely use Excel. Internal hires tend to get strong preference in lateral processes.
You need to be very well-liked in product to move though - sounds like you made your coverage aspirations known during your internship, not a great idea.
I think you're being really overdramatic here, product is not a death sentence... literally so many move to coverage at a year and land PE no problem. Stop shitting on how easy the group is (FFS, you interned for 3 months in product and you act like you're an MD) and focus on being great at your job and more importantly, well-liked. Product is not beneath you, do it well and you will have every opportunity to transfer.
A critical analysis but one that is very fair. Thank you for the input.
Am I missing something here? Why do you want coverage over product?
Are you saying that pulling 120 hours a week making bullshit pitch and meeting books in PPT is preferable to doing actual investment banking?
It sounds like this guy is going to end up in ECM/DCM, not exactly the best spot if you want PE. if he had M&A or a top LevFin group he wouldn't be complaining
Bro relax. If you don't get the group you want just work for a few months and look to lateral if the opportunity comes (it will). Your career is just getting started, nothing is a death sentence besides getting fired for a FINRA or sexual harassment violation. Chill.
This is 100% ubs based off the context. if it is i'll dm you about it
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