Leaving coverage team

I’ve honestly lost respect for coverage banking. Just a dumb slide building job with no technical work. MDs care more about shape format than the financials. Building a CIM is the same thing as mindless pitch work to me. I have to fight with the M&A team just to get on the model. Ridiculous. For those that have left coverage to a product team, how did you do it and how was the adjustment? Do you take a demotion? I dumped all the dumb buyer tracker and admin work on the M&A first years so I got decent modeling reps but I just want to switch to a product team asap to leave the useless slide building. Coverage banking can be done by Rogo.

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from a coverage team to a product team, such as M&A or LevFin, is a common move but requires strategic planning. Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Leverage Relationships

  • Build strong relationships with the product team you want to join. This is critical as internal moves often depend on networking and being top-of-mind when a spot opens up.
  • Collaborate effectively with the product team on deals, showcasing your interest and capability in their work.

2. Demonstrate Technical Skills

  • Highlight the modeling reps you’ve already gained. If you’ve been handling models or financial analysis, make sure the product team knows about it.
  • If you feel your technical skills need improvement, consider taking on additional modeling tasks or even external courses to strengthen your expertise.

3. Position Yourself Strategically

  • Express your interest in transitioning to a product team to your staffer or mentor. Be clear about your goals and how you can add value to the product team.
  • Take on projects that align more closely with product team responsibilities, even if it means extra work.

4. Timing and Adjustment

  • Most transitions happen after 1-2 years in your current role. This allows you to build credibility and relationships within the firm.
  • Be prepared for a potential lateral move or even a slight demotion (e.g., moving from Associate to Analyst) depending on your experience and the team’s needs. However, this is often worth it for long-term career alignment.

5. Mindset Shift

  • Adjusting to a product team may involve a steeper learning curve, especially if you’re moving into a highly technical role like M&A. Be ready to embrace the challenge and prove your value quickly.

If you’re serious about making the switch, focus on building relationships, showcasing your technical skills, and positioning yourself as a strong candidate for the product team. It’s a competitive move, but with the right strategy, it’s achievable.

Sources: Roadmap for IBD Coverage Associate to Career Banker, Roadmap for IBD Coverage Associate to Career Banker, Credit Analyst Q&A

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I disagree. As soon as AI gets more reliable in modelling (and Rogo and Claude are improving very fast) product bankers will get cooked.

The future is for those who will hold the pen on the client relationship, not on the model.

In any case, junior banking will probably be partially automated in 5 years across both coverage and M&A.

 

Et rerum voluptatem repellat dolores magnam ea. Officia blanditiis non facilis dolor. Qui animi non harum ipsum error consectetur autem. Dolorum hic ipsum et doloremque. Et accusamus ea quod autem qui rerum cumque numquam. Et quis repellendus et voluptates. Mollitia ut est similique praesentium in accusamus.

Est eum accusantium aperiam. Provident molestiae tempora porro. Praesentium rerum recusandae est. Esse ab consequatur dolores laborum veniam minima. Occaecati est itaque nisi quod quisquam itaque earum at. Explicabo eum voluptatem sint distinctio. Quo qui eum non assumenda expedita beatae. Sint in et ratione non illum mollitia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”