Q&A: MD in M&A and Cap Markets (Bulge Bracket and Boutique experience)

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Been five months since my last Q&A, which was pre-Covid.  Think it would be a good time to answer any questions now that we're in the thick of things and likely to be for a while.

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SlipperyWhenDry · Accepted Answer

Along the way, you must have had multiple friends (and had multiple opportunities yourself) to recruit for buyside opportunities. How did you go about making the decision (criteria) to stay in investment banking instead of moving to the buyside, and do you have any regrets about building your career in investment banking instead? Any "grass is greener" moments?

KingofCapStacks · Answer

I'll work through these questions over the next few days as things have been busy.  But will get to them, so be patient guys.

To answer your questions:

1.) Main one is ability to interact with clients - personality.  You can't necessarily be that excel monkey anymore and need to be able to interact with clients and be external facing.  Sure you need to be able to execute etc, but banks aren't going to hire you because your modeling skills are top notch.

KingofCapStacks · Answer

I wouldn't waste time doing a Masters in Finance.  Unfortunately, there is a stigma associated with this degree - why not go get an MBA instead?

KingofCapStacks · Answer

1.) Personally, it has made interaction with clients and the team more difficult.  Clients don't want to see you in person and you can't walk out of your office to have a chat with members.  The uncertainty of when this will end puts worry into people about bonuses, but more importantly, jobs.

2.) None other.  The best thing is to always start planning for a worst case scenario.  Remove unnecessary expenses. Potentially look for jobs out there.

3.)  Main thing is to remain calm.  The world may seem like it's falling apart, but it all comes back eventually.

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Q&A: MD in M&A and Cap Markets (Bulge Bracket and Boutique experience)

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Q&A: MD in M&A and Cap Markets (Bulge Bracket and Boutique experience)

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