IBD FT or SA (with a BB SA role)

Currently in London. I currently have a SA IBD role at a BB but if I wanted to change banks, I don't know whether to apply for FT roles or SA roles for the 2021 recruiting season. On one hand, if I did convert, I'd have an offer that many people try to get. On the other hand, if I absolutely dislike the bank or think I can 'do better', other banks may look down on my application.

I understand that I'm in a super privileged position of having a BB SA role, but what would you do if you hated your internship and wanted to apply elsewhere (due to start on Monday, so don't hate the internship already (lol), but better to prepare). Apply FT or SA?

4 Comments
 

just to add, based on the other user's comment below:

top banks will not recruit FT or be looking to poach this year. they have enough decent candidates from their intern pool to get an offer based on the virtual internship

you would only be able to go to less strong banks for FT where their interns weren't good or left for consulting etc

whereas, having a BB SA (& converted) already will make you one of the strongest candidates applying for SA next year and will likely get you interviews at most of the top banks

so if you're thinking of "upgrading" for one of the top BBs/EBs - apply for SA next year

 

In my opinion, FT if you get a return, worst come to worst you sign then lateral later. If you don't convert, then SA.

I'm in a similar position and do think some places will need people FT albeit it's going to be less than previous years.

 
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