From Big 4 -> M7 -> high finance?
I’m currently at a target to the big 4. Is it possible to go from an M7 to an IB when your previous work experience is in the accounting field? My plan is to work at a big 4 firm for a few years, maybe three, and then apply to the M7 schools which would make me more marketable to high finance employers (IB/PE/VC/etc…).
The reason why I’m not trying to work for an IB after I graduate is because my undergrad (Baruch) isn’t a target.
brotha man, why make it hard on yourself.
if IB is the goal then recruit for IB really hard.
if you fall short then you can take the accounting/valuation route. then you can again get into IB after a year or less with that work experience. you need to network really hard.
Although your school is a “non-target” (complete bs by the way) there are plenty of people on linkedin to talk to that would be happy to flag your resume and or put in a good word.
Definitely agree with this. I worked hard but could never get over the final hump with getting into IB.
Settled with a valuations role at near Big 4 accounting firm. Sat their for a year and gained experience. This summer I just started applying to BBs and landed a position. Been enjoying more than working for an accounting firm, but I am new.
Hey Jerry thanks for sharing your experience. I am also interested in lateraling to BB IB. I am currently at Big 4 valuation role for 1.5 years similar to u and aiming at BB like GS and MS. Do u have any insights on how you made your way to BB and any suggestions on how to make the move more practical? Thank you!
I didn't land at a bank at the tier of GS or MS, so I can't speak to that.What I'd recommend is growing and developing skills you see on IBs job descriptions for the firms you want. It was hard for me to find transaction experience, so I tried to get on projects as close to that as possible. I also had some LMM PE experience from college that helped. I would also recommend making a mental list on all the things you like about your current job and what you dislike about it. I really wanted more client exposure and to build that relationship, so that was big to me and worked well for a coverage role.Last, be genuine and have fun. Bankers see through BS easily. I really wanted to make the switch because I wanted to grow and I wanted to build client/firm/personal relationships. Don't lie. It's a small world and they may find out. For example, my first client I met in person was one of my clients at my old firm and he knew the exact project I worked on. Be fun and happy to be there. I hate interviewing so I tried to smile and crack some small work related jokes to break the tension. You're going to be working with these people a lot and you need to be someone they want to work with.Oh and I'd also recommend networking and having good unique questions to ask at the end of a call. Definitely reference things they said along the call when asking questions. Know some deal history too. I screened for deals performed by the company over the last year in the US in a variety of industries. Once I found out the industries they covered, I referenced them. Write thank you notes or type them out and make them personalized. It's definitely a big deal for me. No one dislikes receiving them. Every decision you make from now on should be in service of your goal. Learn new skills or move to finance hub if you’re not in one. I kept this in mind the whole time. Reach out with any questions.
Best of luck!
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Never underestimate your chances. I broke into IB at a top BB after going to a school with a 90+% admissions rate. Classmates around me got 13s/15s/low 20s on the ACT in high school. Point is, don't ever discount yourself. I chose my school so I could graduate with no debt, and I'd do it again. If you have a 3.7+ GPA, leadership experience in clubs, and one or two finance related clubs/internships/jobs, you have a chance. Too many people worry about the school they chose once they’re already in college. I’ve done this plenty of times, but understand that all you can do now is focus on how to build yourself and your resume so that you can recruit to top firms. Target schools are attractive to firms bc they already have selective admissions processes, so firms recruiting there know that most of the students there are competent and smart. If you come from a complete non target with lax admissions, firms have no way of knowing if you’re capable of being a top performer or if you got in by the skin of your teeth. Your resume and the story it tells will differentiate you from the crowd. GPA and solid experiences can go a long way.
As someone who moved from B4 to IB, I would highly recommend first trying to go directly into IB. I know people say you can do xyz path, but you need to remember there is no guarantee. There is no guarantee to get into an M7 MBA, there is no guarantee of getting a finance job out of the MBA. You are young and have the options to skip the steps. As for the whole "non-target" idea, the world is changing. I know plenty of non target people who make it into IB directly and outperform the IVY kids. Remember, 95% of the shit you learn in school goes down the drain. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions about the transition!
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