MBA grad choosing between IB vs independent sponsor

Just graduated with my MBA and have two offers: IB vs an independent sponsor. The sponsor has strong connections to raise equity/debt and offers tremendous upside through equity.

Would you choose IB for the training/brand or take the sponsor route for the equity upside?

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Assume you just completed your MBA summer internship and received a return offer. If I were you, I would ask myself four questions:

  • Is a career in banking within my group totally unsustainable, and do I genuinely hate the job?
  • Do I have the financial backing or material foundation to support me in pursuing that potential upside?
  • Does that "independent sponsor" have a strong track record (is he just a young MBB consultant or he actually has the experience of flipping a business), and most importantly is he genuinely a good person who would be willing to share the upside with me?
  • Am I comfortable with the perceived loss of prestige that may come with joining a one-person search fund?

Personally, I would join the independent sponsor only if my answer to all four questions were yes

 

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