Q&A: From Master's dropout to BB IB to PE
I have a Bachelor's in Political Science from a target European University. I then started a master's in Marketing which I didn't finish and did the same with a master's in Finance. By that point I had secured a full time offer in a BB in London, in their TMT team. After a bit more than 18 months, I moved to a large bank's Merchant Banking Division, where I have worked across the capital structure (LBOs, Mezzanine, Debt) and I am now focused solely on LBOs and a bit of special situations investing.
I am happy to answer any questions from how to get into IB, lifestyle, TMT exit opps, to how to get a buy-side job and the difference in investment approach for different types of instruments in the capital structure.
If you feel uncomfortable asking questions publicly, feel free to send me a private message.
What's your day-to-day work-life?
Quite close to investment banking. A bit better on nights and weekends but days are way more intense and stressful with much more responsibilities. I'd say on average I probably work 70-75hrs / week vs. 90+ in IB
Did you have any FT work between your bachelors and masters programs
No, I didn't. In continental Europe, it's quite usual to do both in a row.
If you were given a chance to choose another career path, what would it be?
I still have the opportunity to change career path and I believe what I learned about myself and how to work under pressure could be very useful in pretty much any environment. If I really had to choose, I'd probably go for a foreign affairs / diplomacy career. What about you?
how much % of your total compensation are you able to save?
100% of my bonus and 50%+ of monthly comp or so.
Hey, so happy you’re doing this! Were you ever in a situation where you felt like as Msc finance would have helped you? Especially for applications etc?
Yes, that's the reason why I switched from marketing to finance. Competition is fierce and so if you don't have any relevant experience and are not studying finance, recruiters probably won't spend time looking at your resume (of course, unless you have an excellent network).
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How was your recruiting process to move to the merchant bank (any connections? interview experience?) Is it common to meet Americans in finance in London?
Just to clarify, the Merchant Bank is part of another bank than the one where I worked in TMT. I went through headhunters as most people looking to move to the buyside in London. I don't think there are thatany Americans in finance in London. Europe is a very different market vs the US and a lot of people hired by banks speak at least another language fluently.
did you have any previous finance experience before you joined the BB?
Not really. I had done a 6-month internship in an association that was helping entrepreneurs by granting them 0% interest loan, but that was about it and I don't think it really differentiated me from competitors. Are you looking to get into IB after an asset management experience?
Yes, I'm looking into breaking into IB or related roles in London through a master's program. Currently an undergrad in the US but my family is getting UK PR next year.
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