I am an an2 at MS/JPM and have the opportunity to move to GS in the same sector, covering the same vertical. I have a very good reputation within my team and a clear path forward, albeit I would like to exit within the next 18 months.
I feel like it would be dumb to throw away my comfortable position and relationships but at the same time I find it hard to say no when GS knocks on the door... What should I do?
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Tough choice.
Absent knowing additional information, I think the downside of leaving is greater than the upside.
You are already at a top BB with either MS or JPM. So upside is limited by “trading higher” to GS.
The downside is losing those said relationships and clear path forward, which I assume means promotion and good staffings. That “reputation clock” would start at zero when you switch to GS; you would have to prove yourself all over again and the grind will feel like you’re an AN1. Don’t underestimate the value of the reputational “moat” you may have garnered on your current team.
All else equal, I would stay where you are. My one question that would change my mind is group specific - if there is a significant difference in the deal credentials of the group at GS vs JPM/MS. Although, either way, you’ll get excellent buy side and exit opportunities with your current options anyway.
Do not just go for the brand unless the are far ahead of your existing team in the vertical with a clearly superior path for you.
Would never make that lateral trade, GS also inhospitable to laterals at all levels
Depends, I wouldn't go, say, from MS IND to GS IND... if it's GS TMT, I'd probably take that over any JPM/MS group unless you have very strong liking of the teams there
Yes pretty dumb, big opaque risk for similar reward
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