Might have to accept a big four job due to work visa but want to do IBD
I'm an international student in the UK. There are only a limited number of companies which will sponsor graduates (big four, banks, a couple of AM companies). I have an offer from a big four for their audit role. I'm still in the process of interviewing with a few non-GS/JPM/MS bulge bracket but I don't think my chance is high. On th plus side I think a graduate job with a big four is probably more stable. I need to stay on a work Visa for at least 5 years in order to gain a permanent residency. I'm not sure how often people get sacked during the first 5 years with a BB but I'm concerned about that. I can reapply for a graduate role next year for the 2017 intake at a BB. However I'm not sure if I should stay with big four for 5 years, get the ACA and permanent residency then transfer to IBD. I'm concerned that itd be difficult but I saw a lot of people started with big four then go on to a BB IBD in Europe. Thoughts?
bump
It isnt the worst option.Have you completed masters or bachelors? It would have been better had you got into transaction advisory at the big 4 instead of audit as the skills acquired there are slightly more relevant to IB than say audit.Im saying this because i was an auditor and found the work extremely boring and its more about verification of accounts and balances than anything finance related , though i wasnt at a big 4 (think BDO,GT etc) but my friends at big 4 also have changed careers. The accounting part you would learn on the job is pretty useful though
You can stick in audit and develop your financial modelling skills on the side through online programmes like BIWS or Wall Street Prep and more importantly network with the right people to get a shot at an interview at a BB
BTW whats your nationality?
Yes. I have a bachelors degree from a UK semi-target. Im Chinese. I would've loved to apply for TS at big four but my priority is to secure a work Visa and audit has the highest intake. I started to do all the above a few months ago, financial modelling, networking etc. I find that financial modelling is not a plus, it's a must so i feel that it doesn't give me any edge over other candidates. Networking doesn't get me anywhereas I need a work Visa. However I do have some solid connections with MDs from IBD but they don't work at BBs anymore. Networking with a BB is a lot harder than networking with a boutique in Europe but i'm trying.
Hi Samantha,
The move is certainly possible. After a couple of years in audit, you could try moving into TAS within the Big 4. This would not affect your Visa situation as you'll still be in the same firm and it would make it a lot easier to switch to IBD later on. Worst case scenario - stick it out for five years and then get an MBA. But you should be able to do it without that. In London, Big 4 is a lot more accommodating and they will try to give you what you want as long as you perform well.
Good luck!
Beatae quaerat quia qui accusantium aut et. Non libero quisquam recusandae velit non. Numquam ullam incidunt autem ab. Doloremque recusandae impedit reiciendis ducimus repellendus odit. Dolorem reiciendis nam facere architecto iste magni et.
Itaque nulla in numquam temporibus id earum. Dolor dolores ullam qui. Dolor perspiciatis nam non. Tempore et fugiat ut quam error aliquid iste. Hic dolor at impedit fugit provident.
Quo libero cupiditate accusantium temporibus. Provident qui rerum exercitationem veritatis doloremque. Iste tempora blanditiis illo sapiente repellendus eos. Aspernatur dolores quaerat esse qui eos.
Error vel quisquam deserunt deserunt mollitia qui ipsum. Dolorem quo consequatur dolorem dolores et ipsam architecto. Quasi omnis ducimus eum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...