FT IB? Advice needed

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

1. Background and Goals:

   • You have internships in M&A (sourcing) and private equity/public markets research.
   • You aim for a name-brand firm and an established platform post-college.
   • Your ultimate goal is to work in hedge funds, with a strong interest in public equities and no real interest in PE.

2. Considering Your Options:

   • Equity Research (ER) at BBs: Given your interest in public equities and hedge funds, ER at a BB could be a good fit. However, as you mentioned, the process is unstructured, so having backups is wise.
   • Small IB Shops: These can provide valuable experience and potentially more hands-on roles. They might not have the brand name, but they can offer significant learning opportunities and networking potential.
   • Back Office (BO) or Middle Office (MO) Roles: While these roles are often seen as less glamorous, they can still offer a good salary and work-life balance. Some BO/MO roles can lead to interesting exit opportunities, such as FP&A, market risk, or credit teams.

3. Networking and Strategy:

   • Networking: Continue leveraging your network, especially in real estate, as it might open doors to unexpected opportunities.
   • Applications: Apply broadly, including to small IB shops and BO/MO roles, to keep your options open. Focus on roles that align with your long-term goal of transitioning to hedge funds.

4. Additional Considerations:

   • Career Capital: Use your early career to build valuable skills and experiences. It's often easier to transition from a more challenging role to a less demanding one later on.
   • Perspective: Remember that being in a bank, regardless of the role, can provide internal networking opportunities and recommendations that might help you transition to your desired field.

For more detailed discussions and personal experiences, you might find these threads helpful: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/back-office-ai…</a">Back Office ain’t half bad. Thoughts after working in both BO and FO. - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/what-is-so-bad…</a">What is so bad about Back Office Roles? - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/the-best-of-th…</a">The best of the back (or middle) office?

Good luck with your recruiting process!

Sources: Regional Boutiques are vastly overlooked in IB, What is so bad about Back Office Roles?, If I go to a tiny place post-MBA (after being at a BB), can I recover?, Do "no-name" boutiques really open doors to MMs and BBs?, Back Office ain’t half bad. Thoughts after working in both BO and FO.