Stay in BB ECM or take lower ranking M&A banking job?

Ignore title but currently an analyst in ECM at a BB in nyc. Goal is to move to the buyside (PE/VC/growth equity/Hedge Fund/something).

Did a few buyside interviews and even got super days but have been rejected just on the grounds that I’m in capital markets. I’ve even passed several modeling tests since I practice modeling outside of my job a lot, but just can’t secure the offer.

This past week I got a coverage/M&A analyst offer from a lower ranked bank (15-20th on league tables for M&A fees last year) and am thinking about taking it, grinding for a year, then hopping to the buyside.

I really don’t want to stay in my ECM role although it pays street base and bonus, and hours are great (out latest by 8pm everyday and never any weekend work.

What’re your guys thoughts here? Would you take the coverage offer or not?

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