MO to FO

Hi all,

I am a May '24 graduate and have been working post-grad at an investment management firm in operations for the past 3 months. Alongside that job, I am working at a family friend in a boutique shop as an analyst doing deal support on a contract basis.

I just passed my SIE today, and was wondering what might be the best way to break into a BB, if possible. Does my contract experience count as 1+ year of experience. How long should I stay in my current role, and how should I jump and stand out as a candidate?

My previous internships were at the same boutique for sophomore year and junior year in CorpFin.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and suggestions for your situation:

  1. Contract Experience:

    • Your contract experience can be valuable, but it may not be considered as 1+ year of full-time experience. It's important to highlight the skills and responsibilities you handled during this period.
  2. Current Role Duration:

    • It's generally advisable to stay in your current role for at least a year. This shows commitment and allows you to gain substantial experience that can be leveraged when applying for BB roles.
  3. Standing Out as a Candidate:

    • Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your deal support experience and any significant contributions you made during your internships and current roles.
    • Networking: Start building connections within BB firms. Attend industry events, reach out to alumni, and use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field.
    • Certifications and Exams: Passing the SIE is a good start. Consider pursuing additional certifications like the CFA to further bolster your resume.
    • Tailored Applications: Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, focusing on how your unique experiences and skills align with the specific role and firm.
  4. Additional Tips:

    • Recruiters: Engage with recruiters who specialize in placing candidates in BB firms. They can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
    • Industry Groups: Target industry groups within BB firms that align with your background and interests, such as consumer/retail, infrastructure, or technology.

By following these steps, you can enhance your profile and improve your chances of breaking into a BB firm.

Sources: How difficult is it to break in from a low-tier BB?, Q&A: Broke into MM M&A from a non-traditional background and 2 years of networking and internships, Took an Associate job at a tiny firm, how screwed am I?, IB Analyst Lateral Move Period, Miserable in consulting, how to improve situation?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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