Hospitality investments to BB Investment Banking

Hello guys,

I hope you are doing well.

I have a question and would like your expertise, especially those currently in IB.

I just finished my studies in July 2024 at a top hospitality business school in Switzerland. I am currently interning as an analyst at a large hotel group within their M&A/hotel investment division. It's very similar to M&A in terms of tasks.

Following this internship, I might have another opportunity in a hotel PE. The plan following my study is to work until Summer 2026 to do my master's in finance in a top school (LBS, ESCP, HEC Paris) to get into IB in Switzerland, France, UK or USA. The reason i wish to stay in hospitality investments is that it is the most accessible to me in regards to investment experience but at some point, I want to diversify to gain exposure to other assets, and the compensation are more interesting. 

Update: prior to my current experience, I interned in an infrastructure PE and completed a summer internship in a boutique m&a

What do you guys think? 

THANKS!!

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

Path from Hospitality Investments to BB Investment Banking

  1. Current Experience:

    • Internship at a Large Hotel Group: Working in the M&A/hotel investment division is highly relevant and provides a solid foundation in M&A tasks.
    • Potential Opportunity in Hotel PE: This would further strengthen your experience in the hospitality investment sector.
  2. Future Plans:

    • Master's in Finance: Planning to pursue a master's at top schools like LBS, ESCP, or HEC Paris is a strategic move. These institutions are well-regarded and can significantly boost your chances of breaking into IB.
    • Target Regions: Aiming for IB roles in Switzerland, France, the UK, or the USA is practical, given the strong financial markets in these regions.
  3. Diversification and Compensation:

    • Diversifying Experience: While hospitality investments are accessible, gaining exposure to other asset classes will be beneficial. This can be achieved through targeted internships or rotational programs during your master's.
    • Compensation: Investment banking generally offers higher compensation compared to hospitality investments, making it a lucrative career move.
  4. Previous Experience:

    • Infrastructure PE Internship: This adds valuable experience in a different asset class.
    • Boutique M&A Summer Internship: Provides a good understanding of M&A processes in a smaller setting, which can be advantageous.

Recommendations:

  • Leverage Your Network: Use your current and past internships to build a strong network. Connections in the industry can provide insights and opportunities.
  • Focus on Skill Development: Enhance your financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills. These are crucial for IB roles.
  • Consider Rotational Programs: During your master's, seek out programs that offer rotations across different sectors to gain diverse exposure.
  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry trends and developments in both hospitality investments and broader financial markets.

Conclusion:

Your background in hospitality investments, combined with a master's in finance from a top school, positions you well for a transition into BB investment banking. Diversifying your experience and focusing on skill development will further enhance your prospects.

Good luck with your career journey!

Sources: Thoughts on Starting Investment Bank/M&A Advisory for my Company, What do you guys do for lunch on the job?, Advice on career and the switch into investment banking, Q&A: Big4 Consulting to Private Equity, now M7 MBA, What do you guys think the catalyst will be for the next recession?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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