IB FT vs. testing HF waters

Hi all,

Spent last summer w/ top group at top BB, no offer. Group cut a lot of members so it wasn't totally unexpected, but naturally after landed smaller, tier 3/4 MM FT spot. Currently group agnostic, but basically I've been testing waters with a few hedge funds for FT openings. The larger ones are inherently more structured, but I've gotten some hits w/o even sending a pitch. I've now worked on finalizing a pitch with plans to send a model and pitch materials to 50+ funds over the next month before I graduate.

Problem is, the offer I have I need to lock in relatively soon. I'm not all that excited about doing IB if it means I have to backtrack (non-target background, GRINDED to get into BB IB SA). I know it sounds like I'm being pretentious, but if long-term I'm looking to make a jump to HF I'm not so sure this MM shop will help get me there (even after doing my 2+ years). Should I hold out in hopes I'd be able to land an HF or just sign my life away for the time being and retry down the road?

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I understand where you're coming from in terms of backtracking but you have to realize that if you lose this MM IB offer and do not get the HF route, you are backtracking WAY more. A MM IB job is still one of the best jobs out of undergrad. I would take it and retry down the road especially since you're coming from a non-target. If you were at an ivy or top target I might say go ahead and risk it but the value to you of IB from a non-target is too great to risk

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