Started as homeless and made it into Big4 M&A, where to go from here?

  • In UK
  • Homeless and worked 2 jobs during during A-Levels..safe to say it wasn’t the best of times
  • Lived through something similar to that subway scene in pursuit of happiness
  • Managed to make it through to university and get a 1st in Economics
  • Got into Valuations in Big4 and managed to become highly reviewed
  • Converted a M&A secondment in the same Big4 place I did Valuations at
  • Been in the TMT team for 7 months

Now
- Want to move to BB or EB then eventually to PE
- Am I motivated by money? yes, want parents to live comfortably in their later years

Need advice on how to get into BB/EB, do I need to leave to a MM IB before I can think about BB/EB?

Is 7 months experience enough to think about moving?

Any other career advice would be appreciated.

Thanks to all in advance!

 

Of course it’s possible and many people go from B4 to IB and build a finance career. I don’t think you being homeless makes a difference. Why would anyone give a shit? It’s about how you perform on the job.

 

Shows grit and hard work in the past, along with other desirable skills. Plus just generally inspiring. Stupid comment

 

Major respect to breaking out of the homeless cycle man. World needs more people like you that avoid a victim mentality. I would say if you were able to overcome homelessness and get to big 4 M&A, lateraling to a bank shouldn't be too hard. I know big 4 M&A people that have lateraled to BB's at various different levels. Just gotta network and apply to apps whenever they come up. It might be tough to lateral right now though with the shitty economy and current recession that's likely to get worse. Will prolly have to wait till the Fed caves and starts cutting rates in like 2023 before the lateral market picks up again. Congrats again tho man. Really an inspirational story for people on here, and I'm sure you'll succeed in your future endeavors with that type of grit and tenacity.

 

Gotta give you my respect and props on getting into Big4 M&A. I would definitely start to network with former Big4 who went to BB/EB (if there's any), much easier if you knew them before they went to BB/EB. But i think realistically you'll need to go to MM first (with alumni/ties that went to major BB/EB) or grind another year or two in the Big4 M&A.

Yes, you will grind again but given your grit and background it definitely will be easier on you. Just be careful with your physical health since it might've fail you before your resolve breaks given the hard times that you've been through.

Focus your effort on networking and building relationship more on your 2nd year since it will go a really long way in the future.

Good luck and god speed to you mate.

 

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