Dillema between IBD n ER Position

Hey everyone,

I am currently making my applications for Summer internships at IBs, and I'm in a bit of dilemma in terms of how to maximize my chances. Basically I'm splitting my apps between IBD and ER positions (obviously at different banks). Personally, I think my profile will be better received for ER primarily because I've got CFA Level II completed. But I also know that hiring and intern programs for ER positions are smaller than IBD. So competition will be more in that sense.

So am just wondering how to split my apps btw the two. Should go primarily for IBD and hedge it with a few ER apps, or vice versa. In terms of my interest, I think I'm a bit more drawn towards ER role, but obviously the lure of IBD is still strong. I do realize that is is a IBD section, but I hope people will give me some objective opinions.

thanks all!!!

14 Comments
 

I feel like you should pick one of the two.

It's a lot easier to have your "story" down when you choose what you want to do.

When it comes to networking I don't think that telling alums that you're not sure about what you want to do is a good thing. It's a lot easier for them to help you if you are specific.

Also, when preparing for interviews, if you pick only one of them your life will be a lot easier - although there's obviously things that apply to both positions.

You just gotta think about what you want to do the most...

 
Best Response

I agree with frat. You should choose one or the other and focus exclusively on it.

If you waver between two options, you will suffer much worse odds than if you had just made a decision. It takes a lot of work to prepare for these interviews, and you will want to be fully 100% for all of them.

ER has far fewer openings, and I feel like networking can set you apart more easily. IBD will have far more openings, but there will also be far more competition. In the end what will make you successful is your ability to pursue the one that truly interests you.

If you don't know what you want, it'll show.

 

third that. you need to figure out where you want to be, not both. what do you like about ER? IBD?

Do you think ER will place you at a good fund? elaborate more on your goals/where you see yourself and we can help.

-- "Those who say don't know, and those who know don't say."
 

I think go with both, you will get a feel for the type of people that do IBD vs ER in the process - besides preparing for both isn't going to kill you and being versatile like that is a great skill!

From the ghetto....
 

ER: Applying into Er, I am thinking more on a long term basis. Honestly, I think I would enjoy the nature and content of the work. Building models, evaluating financial statements, writing research reports, and basically becoming an expert in one industry sounds ideal to me. It's something I can see myself long term, so I am not thinking about exit opps. Plus, I like the overall mix of client interactions, interactions with capital markets personnel, and then kind of also doing my own independent work. I think that balance is more suitable to my personality. But the problem with ER is that not all banks have ER internships, and most only have the general Research intern position. So that makes applying to ER even more of a predicament because I am not sure whether I would get the opportunity. And if not ER, I don't want to do other kind of research roles.

IBD: I have a more short term focus, if go into IBD. For obvious reasons, IBD is a great place to begin my career. I get to work on live deals, gain tons of transferable skill sets, and interact with clients. But after a few years, like most analysts and associates, I would probably also be looking for exit opps (PE, hedgefunds). And IBD is great for exit opps. What i don't like about IBD is that it's not really a long term focus. Plus I don't like the fact that the more senior you become, the less relevant the fundamental skill set that you acquire through working as an analyst and associate becomes. At the MD level, it basically becomes all about relationship building with clients. With ER I would be doing the same thing that i started as a newbie, but with just a lot more experience, and a lot more client interaction.

 

I am doing a Msc Finance course from a well respected program in Europe. Anyways, so people some insight please. Perhaps some loopholes in my logic that I haven't covered???

 

much different obviously. know stocks and why you would invest into them know how to value etc dividend discount model etc i dunno easy shit man

-- "Those who say don't know, and those who know don't say."
 

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