Need Help Offer-Choosing (Or: Banking v. Investment Management)
Hey all:
I did a brief search regarding this topic, but only turned up one old thread which didn't say much.
Basically, I'm choosing between two FT offers: One's a BB for their IBD (think DB/CS/BAML/Citi -- I don't know if that's a tier but bear with me). The other is a research role at a top-tier traditional investment management company.
Wondering which I should pick, based on the following:
What's the best road to becoming a Portfolio Manager, at either a traditional Asset Management company or (ideally) a hedge fund? (I don't have all that much interest in the vaunted PE exit, I don't think).
I'll be honest -- I'd be down with the less ridiculous hours (even if it meant a pay cut), but at the same time, I have no interest in limiting myself. Is BB IBD the obvious choice?
To becoming a PM I'd say probably ER. For general skills and exit ops, BB IBD. Remember name counts for a lot, so depending on the reputation of the IM company I would say go with the BB (assuming it's not BAML!).
The advantage of IB is, as you said, versatility. Coming out of undergrad, it's hard to know what exactly you want to do for the long haul. This is one reason why IB (and consulting) are so popular. They preserve that optionality until you are better informed.
I have met quite a few research associates with either MBB or IB backgrounds, and they generally feel that their previous work helps them quite a bit when evaluating companies (for instance, a consultant who did a few engagements with mining companies, and now covers basic materials in AM). Since making it to a PM role is going to be largely merit based, any edge can help.
Also, some HFs have a bias against traditional AM research, sometimes preferring to hire traders and bankers. It comes down to a difference in mindset between traditional AM (relative returns, low asset turnover) and HFs (absolute returns, variable asset turnover).
It's ultimately your call though. Traditional AM is a very legit industry, and makes an excellent long term career choice. It depends on how ready you are to "settle down".
I didn't do either out of ugrad, - but wanted to share that i've heard from a few different places now, we ONLY look at ex-banking analysts. Now that might be the strategy of the fund etc. If you want to do distressed debt or event driven as opposed to l/s or some other equity strategy, than banking is def the way to go.
Finance is way too narrow these days - and what may have happened in the past 3 years is not really indicative of the future. I know someone who finished 5 years at fidelity and for 18 months has been looking for a l/s job and cant find one b/c he doesnt have short experience.
Take it for what it is, but you can't plan these things.
Thank you all for your input so far.
It seems my hesitation was well-justified. It's interesting that some hedge funds look down upon traditional asset management research roles. I know hedge funds are extremely variable, but is this an industry-wide thing? Or would I stand an as good/better chance than a banking analyst at most hedge funds?
It just seems strange that a Fidelity Research Analyst would have a hard time finding work at a Long/Short Firm: Sure he didn't actively short, but he still had to go through the process of which ones he would want to "Sell." (Yes, I know it's not exactly the same deal).
Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get my bearings before making a full-time decision. And again, thanks for the input.
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