I am currently a Public Finance intern and do not enjoy it (MM firm in the midwest). I would rather work in corp IB. Should I take the return offer or just be direct and decline them if I want to recruit into their corp IB arm? Thinking of just applying to masters of finance program...
I have no other outstanding offers.
| +139 | UBS Accused of Favoring H-1B Workers While Cutting U.S.-Born Employees | 24 | 15h |
| +90 | Incompetent and annoying co-intern | 23 | 1d |
| +74 | Getting Laid in IB? | 31 | 44m |
| +70 | Intern keeps sleeping at work - what to tell them | 29 | 1h |
| +56 | Living in greenwich as an analyst? | 12 | 1d |
| +47 | UBS Promotion or Lateral to Boutique? | 9 | 15h |
| +46 | PJT M&A Group Selection 2026 | 6 | 2h |
| +42 | NYC Associate Budget | 14 | 1d |
| +36 | Nauseous every morning for past 3 years in IB, anyone else? | 21 | 2d |
| +36 | Quick Thoughts on CVC AI Sale Process | 7 | 1d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
If you're currently a Public Finance intern at an MM firm and don't enjoy it, here's what you should consider:
Recruiting into Corporate IB: Transitioning from Public Finance to Corporate IB within the same firm can be challenging but not impossible. If you want to pursue this route, it's essential to have a direct and professional conversation with your current team or HR. Express your interest in Corporate IB and inquire about potential opportunities to transition. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may not accommodate this shift.
Declining the Return Offer: If you're certain that Public Finance is not for you and the firm doesn't offer a clear path to Corporate IB, declining the return offer might be the right move. However, this comes with risks, especially since you currently have no other outstanding offers. Without a backup plan, you could find yourself without a position post-graduation.
Master's in Finance: Applying to a Master's in Finance program could be a strategic move if you want to reset your career trajectory and aim for Corporate IB. A strong program can provide you with the technical skills, networking opportunities, and access to recruiting pipelines for top IB roles. However, this option requires a financial and time investment, so weigh it carefully.
Recruiting Externally: If you decide to decline the return offer, you can also focus on recruiting externally for Corporate IB roles. This will require networking, refining your resume, and preparing for interviews. Highlight transferable skills from your Public Finance internship, such as financial modeling, client interaction, and deal experience.
Key Advice:
Ultimately, the decision depends on your risk tolerance and long-term career goals.
Sources: I need your advice, Should I delay graduation by a semester for a summer internship at a large bank?, JPMorgan Middle Market Banking (MMBSI) details?, Took an Associate job at a tiny firm, how screwed am I?, JP Morgan Commercial Banking MMBSI Full-Time Analyst
Hic officiis ea dolores ut quas rerum corrupti. Voluptas est nulla ullam pariatur alias nostrum. Praesentium perspiciatis libero omnis omnis. Sapiente similique incidunt voluptas aut.
Voluptatem officiis perspiciatis quaerat deleniti reprehenderit aut rem. Alias incidunt nam et excepturi vel quibusdam. Ex mollitia dolores rerum reprehenderit.
Modi laudantium nisi sed autem cupiditate occaecati. Minima voluptate dicta perferendis unde consectetur exercitationem maxime. Eos laborum assumenda deleniti et facere eveniet architecto.
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...