ECM top tier vs lev fin lower tier?
I have 2 offers for working in London; ECM top tier think GS/JPM/MS vs lev fin mid tier think UBS/Deutsche
I realise this is a great situation to be in, but I cannot decide which to take. ECM bank pay is higher, however wonder if I would be too short-term a thinker in accepting, given lev fin likely has better exit opportunities. Would I be limiting myself in a few years time by accepting ECM, for the sake of better pay now?
Interested in any thoughts on which offer to take, and any personal experience of working in either area appreciated!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Exit Opportunities: ECM roles, even at top-tier banks like GS/JPM/MS, are known for limited exit opportunities compared to LevFin. ECM doesn't typically involve heavy modeling, which is a key skill for transitioning to Private Equity or other buy-side roles. LevFin, on the other hand, is more technical and provides better exit opportunities to PE, credit funds, or other investment roles.
Long-Term Career Goals: If you're aiming for a long-term career in banking, ECM can be a great choice. It offers better work-life balance, competitive pay, and a more predictable career trajectory. However, if you're considering exits to PE or other buy-side roles, LevFin is the stronger option.
Pay and Lifestyle: ECM at a top-tier bank will likely offer higher pay and better hours compared to LevFin at a mid-tier bank. If lifestyle and immediate compensation are priorities, ECM could be more appealing.
Brand Name: Working at a top-tier bank like GS/JPM/MS in ECM will carry significant prestige and open doors within the banking world. However, the technical skills and exit options from LevFin at UBS/Deutsche might outweigh the brand name in the long run, depending on your goals.
Personal Interest: Consider the nature of the work. ECM involves market research, equity issuance, and client interaction, while LevFin is more technical, focusing on debt structuring and modeling. If you find one area more engaging, that should heavily influence your decision.
In summary, if you're focused on exits and technical skill-building, LevFin is the better choice. If you're leaning towards a long-term career in banking with better pay and lifestyle, ECM at a top-tier bank is a strong option. Think about your long-term goals and what excites you most about the work.
Sources: ECM Exit Opportunities, ECM, the high finance brain drain, ECM/DCM for Career Banking, Loyalty v career progression, Opportunity to move from NY to Europe in Structuring/Origination
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