Job Expectations vs Reality - What Next?

A couple of months ago I got a job at a small firm/MM firm with the intention of doing IBD-esque work. The role wasn't specifically investment banking, but I was told it would include deals/modelling etc. as well as other work.

However, after being here for a couple of months, it seems that this isn't the case. I am doing financial work, but nothing like what I was told I'd be doing and a lot seems to be "advanced" admin work. Within a week of finding out I was thinking to quit, but it does provide an income and potentially a way to learn something about deals/modelling if I spend my free time productively (staying in after my main work has been completed).

I just wanted to get some advice on what to do. I have a general idea, as outlined above, but I'd still love to hear what others think. Small part of me still wants to just quit because I was essentially lied to, but I know that's probably not very intelligent. How do I spin this so I can get a better job in the future in IBD? How long do I stay before I look for another job?

9 Comments
 

Are they testing you because you are new or do they not have any intention of ever giving you "IBD-esque" work? If you happily do whatever you are given for 1 year and excel at your work, will they give you the type of work you want? These are the questions you need to answer.

 

Yes apologies, forgot to preempt these questions.

They have no intention, is the answer. It isn't because I'm new and doing the "grunt" work because even my manager is doing similar type of work. Essentially, I was "lied" to about the work that would happen. The "IBD-esque" work is something that I can do in my free time, and my manager has recommended I do, but it's not the "day job" if you will.

 

Investment banking analysts do administration work all the time whether at a bulge bracket or boutique bank. Work there for one year then lateral to a bulge bracket. You're at the bottom of the food chain, suck it up!

 

Everyone has to do the file this "paper work" etc. I know how you feel, but at least you have a job. Suck it up and do it. Yesterday I had to look for CD's for a client that were purchased in 2007. Did I hate it? Of course, but you still have to work that is not included in the job description. Good Luck and welcome to corporate America!

Greed is Good!
 

As I said in my clarification, my line manager does the same work that I do.

The firm does do IBD work, and the role was advertised as being part of the team, as well as some other tasks. In reality, it seems to only involve the other work.

This is my problem.

 

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