tl;dr: Assessing career next steps. Pros / cons of IBD associate vs. Corp dev.
Like many of you, I've been following WSO over the years and am in need of some advice. I've done 3 years of banking and am now thinking about next steps for my career. I enjoy my job but I want some outside perspective on how to think about what my next move should be or if I should continue along my current path.
- Recently promoted to Associate @ TMT IBD ($250k all-in comp).
- Option to move into a Corporate Development role at a Tech / Media company ($150k comp).
(sidenote: Long term goal is to learn to find and execute new business opportunities. Haven't decided if i see myself as an operator or investor long-term, although i don't think these are mutually exclusive and would ideally like to do both in some capacity.)
thoughts?
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I think the argument will come down to whether or not the paycut in exchange for better hours and a better work environment is worth it. For me it was, but that is only a decision that you can make.
Thanks for the response. Do you mind sharing what your experience has been like in CD? Specifically 1. how long have you' been there? 2. What in particular outweighed the pay-cut for you? What types of skills are you expecting to develop vs. in IBD? Have you thought about what opportunities may become available to you after a few years in CD?
I think a lot of this also hinges on which tech / media company this is exactly.
It is a well known brand (Think top 50 Media / Tech companies). I think the company is great, which is why it is an option I am strongly considering. Would be looking at new market opportunities, strategic partnerships and assessing potential M&A (I think seeing 1 deal per year is realistic)
My biggest concern is that I am unsure about what opportunities become available and what opportunities I lose by moving into CD at this stage in my career. in IBD, I am constantly interacting with clients, managing workflows, learning a lot. However, I don't get to make a real impact on operations or see our strategic advice follow through after a transaction occurs. Also, strategic advice in IB isn't often proprietary (usually the client comes to us with ideas and we would offer input about what is happening in the industry).
Update: Accepted the corporate development offer
Hey can you give an update on how your role has been going? Interested to see your thoughts after being in CD for a little
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