FT Offers HELP
Market risk at a BB vs IB at a smaller bank (foreign, looking to expand in the US)
Which would you pick? And why?
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IB, because it's a front office role that'll provide you with better skills (and more applicable skills that you can use to lateral later to a "better" bank if you choose to do that.)
IB for sure, much more rewarding experience and will lead to better opps down the road
where is the IB offer located? Still would choose IB though
Both are in NYC. The main thing I'm concerned about is job security with IB, with so many banks doing layoffs.
Depends... is it Goldman?
There's actually a surprising amount of MO to FO mobility
Nope, unfortunately.
What small bank are we talking about... something like TD / Santander?
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Unless it's a two man shop where neither are big enough names to sustain the business, go with IB. What matters more here - when you're comparing MO vs. FO, is context, and less on the firm name.
Assuming you're going to a shop that has some deal flow, or if it's a startup - some MDs/principals that have very strong prior experience you can benefit working with, then IB is a clear choice because you'll learn more. And since you've already mentioned its with a small bank, then I can assume it's not a startup.
While there are instances where someone can move from MO --> FO, it's not an uncommon occurrence. You really have to be at the right place and right time for something like that to happen AND you may have to go up against other internal and external candidates with more relevant experience.
Whereas with IB, you'll at least have on paper that you've done IB work before and have that skill set. And depending on the shop, you may even get a more well-rounded skill set if the group gives you more responsibility vs. an analyst in a large pool with a number of people above him.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Going to go with the IB position after all! Kanon, I think you hit the nail on the head (assuming you meant it's not a common occurrence to go from MO to FO) - IB will open more doors in the long run, and I'll always be stuck with what-ifs if I don't take it.
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