Defecting after 2months on the job

As an aside, I took this job because I missed the FT recruitment season for banks worth applying to. I interviewed with a few boutiques, and got offers. I chose my current bank over them because I thought it would lead to better opportunities. I still believe that it was the correct decision in terms of future opportunities due to a brand name on the resume, formal training program, and noteworthy transactions.

The only problem is, I can't stand how they run the Corp Banking Division.

Is it a large US or large British institution?

Why would DCM be worse than corp banking?

Because at these places, the product teams work through Corp Banking as they own the relationship.

If your boss doesn't care why do you? You sound like a perfect slave for IB, so I say go for it.

I'd stick with it for atleast one year and see where thigns go. Who knows you might even like it after a while. Working till 6pm and making 75K isnt a bad deal. but if it getting to the point where it's becoming an ethical problem then I'd jump shit after a a few months.

Workerbee, its US. You also seem like you understand how the business model works. Care to share if you are in Corp Banking also?

Kanon, I'm in the process. But as you pointed out...I need to stick with this group for a while before I can transition. I don't think I'll last that long without murdering one of the other analysts.

Txj, thanks. I know.

Oldman, its more than 75k. 75k is my base.

Everyone/anyone, should I be applying to the first-year analyst programs that BBs are opening soon? or am I no longer eligible, because I'm not in school?

Yup. I was in the same spot as you. My recommendation is to learn, grow and keep delivering excellent work. Don't worry about the other analysts that leave at 6PM. Be the rockstar in your group. Make sure to keep studying and developing your skills. Your going to get great exposure to Senior Managers and if you get Client Management experience, that is something few IB analysts will ever get, except a nice greeting at a closing dinner.

Also, you get great pay compared to analysts who work 30-40 more hours a week plus a bonus, abeit, its not a M&A bonus. Also, you get great exposure to all the product groups and how banking in general works, not necessarily M&A. If you can plug yourself into a couple M&A projects related to your client coverage, then you will get some interesting experience. If it is not your cup of tea after a year, then you should have established your reputation has the hardest, badest analyst on the floor and they will expect you to move on because your a straight baller.

Remember, at the end of the day M&A is just a product group. Its not the end-all-be-all. If you cant find ways to work hard in Corporate Banking or in any Group then your not gonna be much better off in the long run where being productive and busy are intrisic skill-set to identify opportunities in unorganized/dynamic environments.

At this point in time, you should network and make sure to meet your internal M&A teams as well as other banks on the street. With that said, its going to be a bit rough right now as most 1st years are about to start. My suggestion is to start a dialogue with an M&A MD and figure out if there is an opportunity to transfer over if it is unbearable. (this has happened so its not out of the ordinary).

Again, don't worry about the other analysts. Worry about yourself and how you are going to be a rockstar. As much of a team business this is, its still about you at the end of the day.

Thanks so much, Worker. Gave you a couple SBs :)

How gay would I seem if I showed up at work on weekends, when nobody else in my group does the same? Recommended? Avoid?

It would be easy, because I live 1minute from the office on foot.

^ I don't think it would look bad at all. Other analysts might think you're being a real keener, but higher ups would appreciate you putting in the extra effort when no one else does. Shows initiative if you take on tasks that provide value add without anyone asking you to do so.

There was times when our team was the only group in weekends at a time. The senior managers are only going to give you credit if your being productive and helpful. Now, if your in on the weekends doing nothing but trying to look good, well no ones is there so there is no one to impress. My suggestion is load yourself with great projects like your working like an IB analyst and make sure your crushing it. Even the shitty Clippers have an all-star in Griffin. The only club he is at on the weekends is the gym.

Also to Kanon's point, an IB analyst is expected to be in on weekends and work insane hours. They wont ever differientate themselves working hard or late because it is expected. You on the other hand can set yourself apart and make a name for yourself far easier than what an IB analyst has to do. Remember most MDs are former M&A bankers that still want to be in the game/industry but have time for their family and kids. They are usually better connected than most bankers because of the wide level of individuals they interface with.

STFU and do your job for a year.

There is a massive advantage to being a big fish in a small pond. (Or a strong fish in a pond full of guppies)

You aren't in school anymore. Formal recruiting pathways are not the way to success. Build your skills/experience. You don't know how to do anything yet. In a year, if you're as smart as you think you are, you will be killing it

Veritas, hahaha exactly. I always just trying to say what your saying in positive, constructive manner.