Has anyone made a lateral move from a middle market IB firm (Blair, Houlihan, Piper Sandler, etc) to a BB or EB as an A2A associate? I know this happens but I feel like it’s more common as an analyst or MBA Associate
Would appreciate any insight into how you / a friend made the move. Do you network with banks before you see a job posting? Should I reach out to the company after I apply? Who should I be trying to network with, VPs?
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At a top MM have seen two associates go to Evercore / MS
Definitely happens (seen at places like Piper, Jefferies, Blair, etc), but like you said - making a lateral move as an associate is rare. My guess is that it is typically not worth it for someone that has gone A2A. You lose all the goodwill / political pull that you've built up at your current firm for the last 3-4 years.
I get what you’re saying. Mainly a geography move for me. I love my group but want to get to NYC or LA - two places where my firm has little to no presence.
I also feel like the bigger brand name could yield different exits down the road (not PE)
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