From Analyzing Kafka to Closing Deals: How Do I Jump from Comparative Lit to TMT VP?
Hey WSO fam, So, here’s the scoop. I’ve spent the last decade deeply entrenched in the world of Comparative Literature (think Kafka, Foucault, Derrida—big brain stuff), but I’ve decided it’s time for a change. Academia’s great, but let’s be real: tenure’s not what it used to be, and grading undergrad essays isn’t exactly my idea of “deal flow.” I want to make the jump to TMT VP at an elite boutique—think Evercore or Lazard—and I’m wondering what the fastest route would be. Here’s what I bring to the table: • Strategic Vision: Ever tried navigating department politics while securing grants for obscure research? That’s basically like M&A, right? • Storytelling Mastery: I can make postmodern philosophy sound interesting to freshmen. Imagine what I could do with a pitch deck. • Deal Flow Experience: I’ve negotiated with university deans for years. TMT execs can’t be that different. My questions: 1. Should I pitch myself as a “narrative strategist” for the sector? I hear storytelling is key in IB. 2. Does knowing my way around a Derrida text substitute for Excel modeling skills, or do I actually need to learn those (ugh)? 3. I’m thinking about skipping the MBA networking my way in. Thoughts? Also, any MDs here open to grabbing coffee to chat career paths (my treat)? 4. Should I aim for VP right away, or is it more “authentic” to grind my way up as an Associate first? Appreciate any tips. I know some of you might say, “Stick to teaching Kafka,” but hey, if philosophy is about breaking boundaries, why not break into IB? Cheers!
Dude, there’s zero chance you’re landing VP at Evercore or Lazard with no IB experience. Start as an analyst or associate—yeah, that means learning Excel (it’s not optional). And if you think networking alone is gonna work, think again. You need the MBA or actual skills. Get real, and stop pretending “narrative strategist” is a thing in IB.
Stop thinking you’re so knowledgeable dude, calm the f* down
We all know what dumbass is throwing MS at this amazing comment lmao
95% chance these two are the same troll and 100% chance they’re posting from their moms basement
Go for it. See below for proposed steps.
Show up at the respective lobbies of the firms you're interested in a suit. Bring a couple of decently big brain books (i.e. Crime and Punishment, Brothers Karamazov etc.) that commoners might have heard of, and sit at the middle of the floor and read them.
People will eventually come and ask you to move, or ask you what you're reading. Then BAM, bring up your big brain ideas and story telling and wow their socks off. If they're plebians (i.e. mid/back office, analysts or associates), they'll probably bask in your knowledge and show you the room to HR and the hiring MD. If they're a VP/MD (bigger brain folks), they'll clear their calendars for coffee with you immediately and hopefully hire you soon, at a VP position nevertheless.
Do update us on your progress, preferably with pictures. Never tried the above, but i think it's the best shot for a big brained literature professional to get a shot at a VP position without experience. Keen to follow your story.
Hey, love the approach—definitely bold and unconventional, which is exactly the kind of thinking I’m aiming for. It actually reminds me of some of the guerrilla tactics in Debord’s The Society of the Spectacle and the kind of subversive methods you’d find in Pynchon’s Against the Day. I’d really appreciate diving deeper into your strategy and would value any guidance you can offer. Would you be open to some free coaching sessions over SMS/MMS or telephone? It would be amazing to learn from your experience and insights. Let me know if you’re up for it!
you're either good sport/fun or absurdly clueless and literally never going to see the inside of a bank, i can't tell which
A little slice of heaven on earth
I did Comp Lit and am at a BB. Nobody knows or cares what Derrida or Foucault is. Don't need to mention it or talk about it. You need financial modeling skills, you need something that will make them think you're not a bag of air that wastes space and is majoring in the godforsaken thing their rebellious teenage daughter likes. I had the advantage of double majoring in math, but you need to brush up on your skills and likely the path is to go to an MBA if you can after doing some consulting. But you're not going straight to IB VP in TMT.
MBA Associate role first? That’s cute. But let’s be real: would you ask Nietzsche to start as a research assistant before writing Thus Spoke Zarathustra? Would Kafka settle for Associate Kafka? No! I say aim straight for VP. TMT execs should be trembling at the thought of going up against someone who understands not only corporate strategy, but also the full spectrum of human existence. You think the great titans of Wall Street climbed to the top by knowing their way around Excel?
That’s some real Übermensch attitude—love the spirit. We’re talking Tier I MD material here. I think you, sir, have summarized my thoughts in a class-act manner.
I know you're just joking, but this post makes me want to bury an axe in your head Rodion's way
Why TMT? If you are really a true visionary, you should aim for more esoteric, some suggestions - energy transition, ESG (here story telling is must and excel skills long forgotten), mid-cap coverage or last but not least circular industries! Update me on the success - fingers crossed!
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