Long term repercussions of lateraling too many times
I’ve lateraled twice in my career—once out of public accounting into IB and once from a regional boutique to a MM. Over the last few months I’ve been emailed all sorts of opportunities at other IBs. However, I’m hesitant to make another move bc I have a (probably baseless) idea that people who lateral around between the analyst to VP titles a lot end up staying stuck at a certain title for a lot longer and don’t have the same credibility in their firms as the people who’ve been around for years (unless they came from a top notch group elsewhere). Is this a thing? Any thoughts on people who are switching firms all the time? Is it a negative for the longer term if you plan to stay in IB?
It's fine if the pathway makes sense (e.g. you're upgrading).
i agree with snapple. Have lateralled twice now - Boutique S&T->MM ECM-> BB Coverage. Clear trend upwards is all ya need
What was the learning curve like each time you moved and were you given desk specific trainining? Curios as each of your moves was so different.
your rule should be to never work at more than 3 companies in 5 years, and never under any circumstances work for more than 5 companies in 10 years. Realistically, working at more than 4 companies in 10 years during any instance outside your 20's is highly frowned upon.
I would seriously think twice unless it's a huge uprgrade.
Have lateraled twice as an analyst. I’ve had a rationale for each move so nothing I feel like I can’t explain in an interview (Corp banking>MM IB>MM IB in my hometown to be close to family and friends). I also don’t have any reason to leave my job for awhile since I’m in my hometown making IB money in a low COL area so don’t plan on leaving this gig for awhile anyways
The moving back to hometown is the ace card answer to any lateral concerns imo. People can wonder why you're moving again but you say that you are tryna get back home, it is honestly a positive because it indicates that you are making a dedicated move and may stay with the firm long term.
Yes definitely. I think if moving home wasn’t my goal it would’ve be a tough sell to get the job. Especially since the second stint was only 6 months. If I tried to move again I think it would be really tough no matter the location but have no reason to switch again
3 moves in under 5 years is not a good look on your resume (unless there is some very clear rationale)
I guess firms will assume you are a branch swinger; as long as you have a strong rationale in interviews everything will be fine
So far, the moves that you've made are strategically sound. There are lots of opportunities to lateral right now, but you need to be super-selective rather than just tempted to make a change.
You've held 3 jobs so far. Were you promoted at any of the firms you've worked for? If not, I'd strongly recommend you stay at your current bank until you've been promoted. It's much easier to leave when you have demonstrated success on your resume, and being promoted is proof positive of your performance.
If you do make a change, it should be because: 1) it's a stronger platform; and/or 2) you'll get exposure to an industry that you're passionate about; and/or 3) geographically it brings you closer to friends/family, etc. (ideally at least 2 of those).
If you plan to stay in IB long term, evaluate each opportunity as A) is this a firm you would join to stay on through several titles/promotions; and, B) when/if you leave will this experience be attractive to the future firms you'd want to join? If the answer is yes, then Go For It! If not, focus on excelling at your current bank until the right opportunity is available.
Most people I know who did banking did some sort of 2+2+X combination (mostly the PE exits tend to switch around - I've noticed the HF exits stay).
I personally do not think there are any set rules in stone.
Don't move for anything less than great. I've seen way too many kids move for a 20%30% pay bump at a similar bank. Pathetic. Unless your you absolutely need to get out, ok but stick it through a little bit more. Some movement is ok but more than 2/3 too soon, people start to ask why?
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