EXIT OPS: BB IN LONDON OR BB IN EU?

Background: living in mainland Western Europe. Semi-target university (economics), internships at MM CF and MM PE (both regarded top tier in my country).

Question: I am planning to apply for 2020 analyst positions at the bulges (GS, JPM, MS, Lazard, etc.) but I am not sure whether to apply to positions in London or in my own country. From what I have heard it would probably be easier to land a position in my country but I’m not sure if it is as “prestigious”. Especially when considering the exit opportunities. Obviously, plans change along the way, but currently I am considering MFs, large PEs and corp dev as potential exit ops.

What do you guys think that my potential exit ops might think about an IB position in a location other than London? Is working in London a prerequisite to access exit ops located in London?
Do those firms look the same way to country-teams as they do to the main team in London?
How easy is it to transfer from domestic team to sector/product team in London? Are there any formal programs?

Any advice is much appreciated!

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“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly. One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity. I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application. Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps. Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress. What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications. Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention. I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”

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EXIT OPS: BB IN LONDON OR BB IN EU?

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