How to make it from IB to Corporate Executive Level

I'm currently at the start of my analyst years (FT) in strong Tech group. Looking at the lives the seniors live (both on buy and sell side) and type of work that is done in the industry, I do have an appreciation for it, but I don't see as personally fulfilling in the long term.

I'm treating IB as a bootcamp/learning grounds for becoming a generally sharp professional and cultivating skills that I can hopefully later apply in a corporate setting and be part of a team working towards growing an organization together versus just hopping from one deal to the next. I feel as if the type of soft skills and general attention to detail and breadth of knowledge in IB could translate effectively to a variety of industries after, but I was curious to see if anyone has particular insight for these paths. I know the odds of F500 or even F1000 C suite is low, but I know that even on the SVP/EVP level many of these folks make multi 7 figures, not to mention the private markets as well. I feel like merit may also go further in these industries, many people who make it to the top come from normal schools vs IB/PE/even law to some extent where you got your degree influences career trajectory in a seemingly major way. My dad made it to F500 C suite and is now on the PE operating side, but his journey was in a different time. Still I have a huge degree of interest and motivation to pursue a similar path.

Additionally, I feel as if your career trajectory in the corporate side could be effectively accelerated by joining a growing sector/company (obviously luck is involved), but if I were to make the move in 1-2 years, it'd be preceded by extensive research on the company and team to try and ensure strong growth prospects. Would love to hear any thoughts. 

4 Comments
 

I really appreciate the insight. You are speaking just to the older generation phasing out and the new guys coming in?

Any skills to hone in particular that you think would be particularly valuable. I've been trying to take notes in my free time one the sales/marketing skills of some of the guys that on the companies for which we do work: I've begun to garner an immense appreciation for the subtle distinction between someone who knows how to deliver a message to the particular crowd they are speaking to vs people who just apply a forceful message. Also the way that some people effectively can communicate confidence/knowledge on a variety of topics that they are not experts on to eases the nerves of investors. 

 

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