Sales Trader Vs. DCM FIG

Hello guys,

I always read posts on forums and ask myself 'why not me?'. I'm seeking for your help. 

So basically, I got offers from two different things : 

1- DCM Fig / Leading Investment Bank 

2- Sales Trading / small (unknown) broker, in Credit Carbon & Biofuel products 

I'm super interested in Sales Trading as we are directly front liner, speaking/dealing with clients but I'm not sure about the exit Opps, especially by joining a small (unknown) broker that has been in activity for only a couple of years.

On the other hand DCM has been really interesting in corporate (got a first exp into), but i'm not that sure about FIG. The opportunity in itself seems way more stressful, but maybe the reputation/recognition worths it. 

The jobs are ofc on different product, but by the end not super different in the daily life. I think it's possible to get DCM position from Sales Trading in a couple of years.

Does anyone have any view on this ? What do you think about the exit opp/Salary/evolution ? What could you consider ? 

 

Feels like you know which job you’d actually prefer doing. Whilst the DCM job at a big bank will invariably have better exit opportunities, if you end up quitting the job because you’re miserable after 6 months it’s a bit pointless .

Alternatively, you could go into the DCM job and look to pivot into S&T. I did a markets internship before switching into the IB track and loads of people came from DCM/ECM especially in teams like FICC trading and prime brokerage. I think this is more common at American Banks.

Again, it seems obvious which is the ‘objectively’ better choice from exit ops etc, but if you won’t be able to motivate yourself to enjoy the DCM job, no amount of exit ops will make it worthwhile in my opinion.

 

I would go to DCM. The sales trading position’s focus is too niche. If you don’t like it you’re screwed because you’re at a small shop in a small market.

DCM will give you a good grounding of macro which will always be helpful, especially if you want to go into Sales Trading later.

DCM for a year, then ask to switch. Very doable, just get a good review and people will bat for you

Good luck!

 

Ut non nobis sunt voluptatibus. Consequuntur velit assumenda quia laboriosam enim.

Excepturi non a magnam commodi et. Ea impedit officia autem eligendi rem ipsam laboriosam cupiditate. Architecto et enim et repellat magni natus.

Ratione id sit quo. Nesciunt totam sed sequi qui occaecati id. Eveniet placeat incidunt nihil. Molestias adipisci consequatur et similique. Tempora ipsam ut omnis temporibus quibusdam sed.

Eveniet blanditiis nostrum non nisi. Molestiae quos provident quis et modi perspiciatis eum ut. Labore ipsa ea voluptas doloremque recusandae est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”