Leaving investment banking job after 2 months

I'm currently a new analyst in IBD that has just completed my firms training program. We have an atypical start date. I am about to receive an offer from a much much better bank and I was wondering what the drawbacks of leaving so quickly are? I'll probably have maybe been on the desk for about a month. I'll be moving to another city as well.

Thanks

20 Comments
 
Best Response

If it's a better offer take it. 5 years from now the firm won't remember and your life may have changed for the better.

26 Broadway where's your sense of humor?
 

I always say to think carefully before jumping ship, especially in situations like this – how will you be able to speak about this on your resume if you choose to, having had only one month on the job experience? Will this be something you wish to talk about, how will you spin it, and so on. One month at a firm before jumping ship to another could signify disloyalty, that you're always looking for something better, etc.

In another interview, it will be very obvious to the interviewer that you had just completed training for your entry level position and then left. It depends on how you wish to play it. Consider your bridges burnt, most likely, because the firm invested in teaching, hiring, training, and so on, all for you to get up and leave. They could've given the spot to someone else who would've benefited from it 20x more.

Think carefully about what to do before you do it. Make the decision that's right for you – just keep in mind what you could lose out on as well. It's a very small world, you have no idea who can end up as your superior or colleague somewhere down the line.

EBITDA rules everything around me
 

Definitely do not put a role you spent 1 month in on your resume. There is seriously no point, especially if you are at a better firm right after.

If you get the better offer, jump and never look back. No one is going to question a-typical start dates, and don't worry about burnt bridges - in the future you're very unlikely going to work for this firm you're at currently. They won't even remember your name come September.

 

Yeah lol no one says you have to, it's up to you whether or not it's worth it. As others have said, you don't typically put a 1 mo stint on a resume. It's your call on how you want to play it.

My post regarding resume/talking point was more centered around whether or not you chose to use it as a talking point/experience. No requirement to, especially if you have a better entry level gig to talk about moving forward, but hey, I've seen plenty of "professionals" do stupid stuff.

EBITDA rules everything around me
 

Do it. 1) This is actually pretty common in the industry and generally accepted as an OK thing to do. 2) If it furthers your career and it's a moderate or better step up, that will have a big influence on your career trajectory. 3) Your old firm will forget you even existed within a month; don't worry about grudges or anything like that.

I lateraled after almost a year. In retrospect would have tried to do it sooner. As long as you don't plan on jumping ship from your new bank within 12 months, you won't be branded as disloyal.

Probably should keep the move off LinkedIn for a month or two though.

 

Quit a job after 4 weeks once (after another firm that was lagging on the offer finally made one). Returned 2 years later with double the salary and 2 levels higher.

Take the offer and don't look back

Sayonara
 

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