Potential of move to IB BB/Elite boutique from Deloitte Corp Finance

Hey, 

So brief background: I flunked my A-Levels due to mitigating circumstances which has hindered me getting IB experience during my undergrad. But academically I have been lucky, I got a first in undergrad and did a placement (12 months) stint at Deloitte in Audit and I am now doing a masters in finance at Imperial. 

I’ve managed to convert a return offer from audit at Deloitte into an offer for their Corporate Finance team (M&A, debt and capital services). However, like many others, IB in a proper IB firm is the goal. So my question is, how easy/is it possible  to move into a boutique or BB IB firm from this Deloitte team if I was to accept the offer? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

9 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your situation:

  1. Transition Feasibility:

    • Moving from Deloitte Corporate Finance to a boutique or BB IB firm is possible but can be challenging. The skill set you develop in Deloitte's Corporate Finance team (M&A, debt, and capital services) is relevant and can be leveraged for a transition to IB.
  2. Steps to Enhance Your Chances:

    • Networking: Actively network with professionals in the IB industry. Target older professionals regardless of their position to build rapport and find mentors who can guide you.
    • Transaction Experience: Gain as much transaction experience as possible in your current role. This experience is highly valued in IB.
    • Lateral Moves: Consider lateraling after six months to a year of working at Deloitte Corporate Finance. Refer to the lateraling guide for investment banking for detailed steps (https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/lateraling-gui…).
  3. Additional Considerations:

    • Boutique vs. BB: While moving to a BB might be more challenging, boutiques are often more open to taking on candidates with diverse backgrounds, including those from corporate finance roles.
    • Career Path: Evaluate your long-term career goals. If IB is your ultimate goal, gaining relevant experience and networking will be crucial.
  4. Personal Experiences:

    • There are examples of individuals who have successfully transitioned from Big Four roles to IB. For instance, someone moved from auditing at a Big Four to a mid-market IB, indicating that such transitions are feasible with the right approach.

By focusing on gaining relevant experience, networking, and considering lateral moves, you can enhance your chances of transitioning to a boutique or BB IB firm from Deloitte Corporate Finance.

Sources: Boutique IB offer vs. stay non-big 4 TAS, Former Deloitte and Booz Allen Ask Me Anything, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, How to go from boutique to BB, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/do-i-stand-a-chance-in-investment-banking?customgpt=1

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

Thank you for the response!

Does the Deloitte name actually hold any weight in IB? As I am still applying to firms at the cost of spending time on my masters and I'm wondering if my current offer is already better or worse than an offer for a low-tier boutique?? 

 
Most Helpful

It’s definitely doable and I’ve seen it many times.

Deloitte / big 4 CF teams are strong in lower-mid market M&A so experience is v transferable as others have said.

One thing I’d caveat (and pls don’t take this the wrong way). I’ve worked with many Deloitte ppl and they have a sense of superiority vs other accountancy/CF firms. When I was in IB we had the same opinion of big 4 CF guys. I think you’re definitely moving up a level in IB so just keep that in mind.

Funnily when I moved to PE it was the same thing for their view of IB

 

Don’t worry not taken the wrong way, saw enough from one year in audit (from someone who previously knew very little about the rankings). From what you’ve seen, how early would you recommend attempting to move? As I can focus on the January off-cycles but that would mean applying only a month into my grad scheme and would be a risk to leave the scheme with the hope of a full time return offer if i get an IB internship

 

I think it’d be hard to jump quickly. If I was interviewing you then we’d be discussing deal experience etc. so I think you need to get some deals under your belt with Deloitte.

I personally don’t think you need to rush it (and rushing may not help) but others may have a different view.

 

Vel magnam eius non enim autem sed tempore incidunt. Numquam in repellendus perferendis. Nulla accusantium omnis iure.

Ullam perferendis quia recusandae quisquam. Similique ea vel tempora suscipit inventore. Vero inventore mollitia nihil voluptas illum commodi. Quisquam harum corrupti et est voluptatem. Fugit ab nisi occaecati omnis consequatur et nam. Voluptates at est minima aspernatur laboriosam et maxime reiciendis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”