How does Lateraling work?
Started in February at a regional boutique. How do I approach lateraling? What does the timeline look like?
Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
July 31, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
I would suggest you wait to first hit the 1 year mark, as you do not want to move too early.
After 6 months, start by speaking to HH and people at your target firms on LinkedIn, it might be a long process but it's definitively doable. Also be ready with your story on why you want to transition...
Is it really bad if you leave before the 1 year mark?
Not sure if you are an intern or already a 1st year. I'm in the exact same boat as OP, except that my bank is bigger (underpays people despite recent pay bumps, that's why I'm leaving). I'd say wait until finish your 1st year or right before that, and start talking to people. Make sure your bonus $ hits the account, no matter ho much it is...
Not too bad but would wait
Fugit quisquam porro aperiam dolor iure. Enim fuga quibusdam eaque ipsam.
Tempore consequatur dolorem nam ullam. Nostrum et possimus optio placeat ipsa vel sed. Voluptatem aut rerum voluptatem non. Voluptate quibusdam rerum qui repellendus. Adipisci earum doloribus dolores occaecati voluptas. Perferendis aut fuga aliquid consequatur. Molestias ratione vero eum consequatur animi.
Temporibus voluptatibus quibusdam ab ipsum cupiditate et. Labore quisquam accusamus magnam rerum magnam asperiores ut quia. Ab ipsum necessitatibus consequatur voluptatem nemo magni quia.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...