Lateraling from BB SA in APAC to EB/BB NYC

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of advice and insights for your situation:

1. Timeline for Lateral Recruiting

• Start Early: Lateral recruiting is highly unstructured and can vary significantly in timing. Some processes may take a week, while others could stretch over several months. Begin networking and preparing your materials (resume, cover letters) as early as possible.
• Summer Networking: Use your summer internship to build relationships with bankers in NYC. Even if you’re in APAC, leverage your East Coast school connections and alumni network to reach out to professionals in your target groups (e.g., EVR, PJT, MOE, LAZ, GS, MS, JPM).
• Post-Summer: If you don’t secure a full-time offer or want to lateral, start applying immediately after your internship ends. Many firms will have openings in late summer or early fall as they assess their hiring needs.

2. Networking Strategy

• Targeted Outreach: Focus on networking with bankers in the specific groups you’re interested in (e.g., strategic advisory M&A, consumer/tech coverage). Informational interviews are key to understanding group dynamics and positioning yourself as a strong candidate.
• Leverage Headhunters: Identify the headhunters used by your target firms. Headhunters play a significant role in lateral recruiting, especially for EBs and BBs in NYC.
• Alumni Network: Tap into your East Coast school alumni network. Alumni in NYC are often willing to help, especially if you’re clear about your goals and demonstrate genuine interest.

3. Relocation vs. Recruiting

• Option 1: Recruit for FT in NYC: This is the more straightforward path. Use your summer internship to build your resume and network aggressively for NYC roles. Highlight your international experience and technical skills as differentiators.
• Option 2: Relocation Post-Offer: If you secure a return offer from your APAC BB, you could request a transfer to NYC. While this might feel awkward, it’s not uncommon. However, this option depends on your firm’s policies and the availability of positions in NYC.

4. Key Considerations for International Candidates

• STEM OPT: Your STEM OPT status is an advantage, as it provides additional time for work authorization. Be upfront about your visa status during the recruiting process, as many BBs and EBs are accustomed to sponsoring international candidates.
• Highlight Global Perspective: Emphasize the value of your international experience in APAC and how it complements your desire to work in NYC. Firms often appreciate candidates with diverse perspectives.

5. Resume and Interview Prep

• Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight deal experience, technical skills, and any relevant coursework or projects. Consider using WSO’s resume review service for a polished and competitive application.
• Technical and Behavioral Prep: Lateral recruiting interviews often emphasize technical skills and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your APAC experience and how it aligns with the needs of NYC teams.

Final Thoughts

Your plan to lateral from a BB SA role in APAC to an EB/BB in NYC is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Focus on networking, leveraging your summer internship, and preparing thoroughly for the unstructured lateral recruiting process. Good luck!

Sources: Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, PE Lateral Recruiting Advice/Stories/Help?, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, Q&A : Regional Office Recruiting, 2018 Summer Analyst IB Recruiting Timeline Megathread Page