IB AN Abroad? How much of a mistake will this be?

Ivy undergrad. Received an offer to join an EB for my SA at another global financial hub (think london, singapore, dubai, HK). My offer in the US is for a MM, with worse brand recognition compared to the EB

If I ultimately want to work in the US , how much of a mistake would it be to take that EB offer? How easy is it to lateral from that office to one of the american ones? Will I still be able to break into US PE afterwards?

5 Comments
 

Taking the EB offer abroad isn't necessarily a mistake, but it does come with trade-offs, especially if your ultimate goal is to work in the US and break into US PE. Here's what you need to consider:

  1. Brand Recognition vs. Location:
    The EB offer at a global financial hub (London, Singapore, Dubai, HK) will likely carry stronger brand recognition than the MM offer in the US. This could be advantageous for your resume, especially if the EB is known for high-quality deal flow and strong exit opportunities.

  2. Challenges of Lateral Moves to the US:
    Lateral moves from international offices to US offices are possible but not guaranteed. You'll need to demonstrate strong performance and actively network with colleagues in the US office. Additionally, visa considerations (if applicable) could complicate the process.

  3. Breaking into US PE:
    Breaking into US PE from an international EB office can be more challenging. US PE firms often prefer candidates with US-based experience due to familiarity with the market, deal structures, and relationships. However, if the EB office you're joining has a strong reputation and you work on high-profile deals, it could still position you well for US PE recruiting.

  4. Long-Term Goals:
    If your ultimate goal is to work in the US, you should weigh the potential difficulty of transitioning back against the benefits of the EB brand. If you excel at the EB and build a strong network, you could leverage that to lateral to the US or secure a top-tier MBA, which could help you re-enter the US market.

Recommendation:

  • If the EB is a top-tier firm with strong deal flow and you’re confident in your ability to network and perform, it could be worth taking the offer.
  • However, if you’re set on working in the US long-term and want to minimize the risk of complications, the MM offer might provide a more direct path to your goals.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your risk tolerance and how much you value the EB brand versus the certainty of starting your career in the US.

Sources: Working Abroad - Regrets/Benefits, IBD Barriers to Entry For Canadians and How to Overcome Them, please help Lateral Analyst - Should I take this offer? (MM>EB), Lateralling from a mid-market to a BB / EB, Canada to NYC Lateral

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