I'm currently working at a well-known MM in London (ER at a place like RBC and Jeffs). I have one BB offer now but wondering if it is worth it to change firms in my first years or stick until assoc (currently ranked top bucket at my firm, so I'm quite certain I will make it assoc by next year). Thus I'm wondering if it's easier to lateral once you hit assoc (corporate title)
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In my experience, it is much easier at the analyst level. I have seen multiple analysts go from regional no-name boutiques to bulge brackets, but seen virtually no associates make that same move. Probably because there are fewer expectations at the analyst level and BBs are expecting to have to train you anyway. I think this is especially true if you are coming from ER. They expect lateral associates to already have knowledge of what they are doing.
Agreed, easier at analyst, recommend switching now
It's much easier to lateral as an analyst, but most firms won't give you associate title right away especially if you're an early promote so may be worth sticking around until you get that. If you accept an analyst job you may be waiting another year for a promotion.
Also relevant - Are you looking to stay in ER or move to IB? If you're an A2A you'll still be a hot commodity within your division, but hard to both lateral as an associate and change to IBD if that's what you want to do
Don't really like IB (or even corp. fin) tbh, got offers from GCA in London and a LMM PE (think Aurelius or Auctus) in Germany but declined all of them (really prefer ER).
Also I talked to my former VP (moved to the buyside). Pretty much told me if I continue to perform I will get A2A promotion after next year.
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