In a rut - should I consider lateraling?
TLDR: Should I consider lateraling to a BB from a small boutique?
Some background:
I went to a target with a respectable GPA (nothing to ping me for or make me stand out). I just started a few months ago at a small, respected boutique, getting paid well above street comp with a very good WLB. I generally work well with all the people there, and I'm staffed on a large client.
I think because the firm is so small, I can't tell if I'm learning enough or fast enough, especially given how good the WLB is. Now I'm thinking about PE later on. My firm has a history of sending people to respected PE shops (very few mega-funds tho). My question is, is it crazy to consider lateraling to a BB, or should I stick it out for at least a year?
What do you mean when you say very good WLB? 70 hours?
Mostly 60 hours and 1 week of 80-90
Confused ..... everything about your gig seems...perfect LOL.
Yeah I guess it's a bit lonely without a huge class with me to compare myself to. There's only 5 others in my class. That's what this post was suppose to be for. To see how crazy I am.
You seem like a chick that got bored with her ex who was great to her and is now looking for something else
Yes, lateral. And please let your current bank know I’m happy to fill your spot making above street for 60 hours/week.
m8 the grass isn't greener, it's covered in dog shit and sticker burrs
definitely don't move
With all due respect, you don’t appear to have the intellectual curiosity or aptitude necessary to lateral to a BB prior to getting a role at a megafund.
- What would a larger class teach you about your development and skills? You’re not working with other analysts at larger shops. Do you really go around asking “Hey man what Excel formulas and shortcuts do you know? Can you describe your experience in each of your active deals?”
- If you wanted to reach a megafund, you shouldn’t have accepted a FT role with a niche boutique. If you are just learning now about megafunds, then I don’t know what to tell you.
- Since your WLB is so great, why don’t you use the material excess capacity (relative to your peers at a BB) to recruit and prepare for PE? Could even use that above-street comp to hire a tutor or pay for studying-enhancing chemicals.
Take time to step back and develop perspective. You’re in a great spot - good experience, solid culture, excellent WLB (for IB), above-market pay - yet you’re questioning if there’s more out there after only a few months. But feel free to throw it all away - the next person who fills your role will be more grateful.
OP, are you saying that part of your desire to lateral has to do with camaraderie? That you want to experience the "larger bullpen" of a BB, which will hopefully make the experience more "fun?" Also, regarding learning from your colleagues, you mention there's only 3-5 people in your "class" -- but what about the older analysts/associates? Aren't they available to show you the ropes of modeling and be there for you as mentors?
Wanna namedrop this shop?
Be careful what you wish for. Your firm could very well earn 3 mandates and your hours could easily skyrocket overnight.
You're entering a more busy period historically for IB (summer generally more quiet)
As for now, take advantage of the extra time. Workout. Travel. Meet new people. Drinks. See your family. Learn to invest. Do your GMAT.
Grass is always greener.
Grass is always greener...trust me. I did my first year at an EB and transferred to a regional boutique in my home state during my second year. It's probably similar to yours- awesome culture, great WLB (60-70 hours with a few 80s), good pay (slightly below street) and interesting deals (more niche investment bank that does $300+ EV deals). I don't look back at all and very happy with my choice to transfer from a larger bank to a smaller one. I'm actually thinking of staying on through associate and not going buy side.
Once you find a shop that treats you well, lets you have a life, and pays decent, just stay. Before you go, seriously consider why you want to go to a BB. Do you want a bigger name on your resume? Why is that? Do you want to go MF PE? Why is that? Seems like you don't need any of that
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