I fucked up

Long story short, I go to a non-target and spent a summer in consulting (MBB). Didn't like consulting, so I went through full time recruiting and received a couple offers from 2 BB's and a fairly unknown boutique that specializes in a niche market (think tech/media/industrials/oil&gas, etc.). I wasn't too fond of the BB scene and really liked the people and the industry they work in, so I ended up accepting the offer from the boutique. However, I'm regretting the decision more and more every day. I feel like lateralling will be hard, I've pigeon-holed myself into working at the boutique long-term, and I'll be missing out on the exit opps (access to headhunters and PE/VC recruiting).

Maybe it won't be as bad as I am thinking it will be and I'm only looking at the downside, but not the upside of going to the boutique. I know not working at a BB is not the be-all end-all of my career, and it's too early to be kicking myself, but I think I overlooked the benefits of starting a career at a BB. Did I fuck up big time?

6 Comments
 
RumplesmoothspinYou made your decision based on the industry and the people at the boutique? Run with it, have a blast and make a name for yourself. Opportunities will arise.

^^

I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
 
RumplesmoothspinYou made your decision based on the industry and the people at the boutique? Run with it, have a blast and make a name for yourself. Opportunities will arise.

Exactly. Enjoy the rest of your senior year, and life in general. You're worrying too much about what could've been, what you could have had. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Bad attitude (I used to have it).

If you actually like the people, consider yourself lucky. I remember talking to an alum from my school (HBS grad, ex-MBB Consultant, runs his own REPE shop) and he told me that 15 years from now, you're going to view your career in terms of relationships fostered rather than job titles and even "work experience" obtained. It makes enough sense when you think about it- anyone can teach themselves financial modeling if they're motivated enough, anyone can hustle their way into the next step career, but we only have so many windows of opportunity in our lives to make sincere friendships. You'll eventually get used to a prestigious firm on your resume, but you'll never get used to being around spending even more time working with people you hate, in an environment you despise, doing work that take no pride in. Enjoy.

 

You can always transition out worse case scenario with an MSF.

Also, you may try hiring a company like wallstinsiders.com to help you with transitioning directly to where you want to be.

 

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