Returning to finance after a tech stint
I recently renewed my series licenses in anticipation of returning to Wall Street. I’m curious how feasible or common it is for people to leave and then come back—especially if they left to pursue an idea. I’d appreciate any insights or advice you might have.
For background: I spent three years in private-side origination before I transitioned to an acquisition strategy role at a large tech company.
Currently, I’m feeling somewhat unfulfilled in my role. The work itself is interesting, but the environment mainly consists of ex MBB consultants looking to “rest and vest.” The pay is lower, promotion cycles are slow, and overall growth potential seems limited. It’d probably be a different story if I came in a bit more senior as a lot of these folk have MBAs.
Ultimately, I miss the “eat what you kill mentality” and the very objective measures of performance in finance.
I am just a student, but I have chatted with several bankers that have followed a similar career arc. Just talked to a woman who did a year at JPM, spent 3 years on a Google product team, and got hired right back at JPM in 2024 in the same group. I don't have any specific advice except to say that it is totally feasible to jump back.
Appreciate the insight! Do you know if she did an MBA in between or was she able to boomerang back without any graduate school?
No MBA - just went right back to banking. Worth noting this was during 2022 when M&A was exploding and they were adding anyone they could because of the deal volume. Might be harder now but that pathway is established at the least.
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