Still try for IB?

I started out in Big4 Audit, currently have been in a TAS role for a year. I was wondering if it would be best for me to stick it out in this role for a few more years and apply to b-school or just try to make the jump after another year or so in my current role? I have no problem waiting and getting relevant experience but my concern is that I don't want to work those long hours when I'm 28 or 29, I'd rather put in my 2 years in my early to mid twenties and get them out of the way. Anybody have any thoughts?

 

You haven't given anyone any perspective on what your immediate / long term goals or future plans are. How are we supposed to advise you on what to do without knowing any of that information? This is banking, not the IDF - you aren't required to follow this career path and it's not the best or most appropriate for everyone in every situation, regardless of what people have led you to believe

 

Long term I'd like to be in VC or Growth Equity. I hear it's great to have IB experience for those roles. As far as immediate goals, I was thinking business school but looking at the price tag I'm tying to figure out if there are ways around it.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

I don't think you understand the competition involved in these roles - you need to sell yourself on actually wanting banking first before considering the exit opportunities of VC/Growth Equity. With that said, it's easier to break in pre-MBA than it is post-MBA.

 

I am a bit confused. You say "I don't want to work those long hours when I'm 28 or 29, I'd rather put in my 2 years in my early to mid twenties and get them out of the way." Does this mean you are trying to lateral into IB as a 1st year analyst after having all that FT WE? At that point, after working in Audit and TAS, wouldn't you be lateraling as an Associate or maybe an experienced analyst?

Could you specify what position you are expecting to lateral to?

 

I didn't think I would be able to lateral in as an Associate without an MBA or less than say, five years of WE. It is possible to lateral in as a 2nd or 3rd year analyst probably in a year or two, but I was assuming my experience would be heavily discounted. Considering I have between two and three years of WE, I could probably lateral in as a second year analyst at some places, but I figure I'd be more likely to come in as a first year analyst. Maybe you could provide some insight into that?

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

Okay, thanks for clearing that up. I can't speak to it personally as don't have any experience with lateraling yet. But I can give you what I think would happen...

I would say if you wanted to work at a BB/EB/top MM then yes, you would need to start as an analyst (not sure if 1st year or experienced analyst. I think it would depend and how you sell-it in your interviews).

If you wanted to work at a regional boutique, then you may be able to sell an Associate promote, or an experienced analyst at the least. I can't imagine you would be a 1st year analyst at a regional boutique.

 

I didn't think I'd be able to come in at a higher level if I lateral into a smaller firm, this is something I'll definitely think about going forward.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

How many years of FT WE do you have? Three? Four? I worked with a few analysts who were in their late 20s, so it certainly happens, but I think you may want to ask yourself if that's really what you want. There really is no downside to trying to lateral, other than the stress, so you might as well attempt it. At least try reaching out to your network.

 

Ea impedit itaque dolorem temporibus libero a velit. Cupiditate necessitatibus voluptates ducimus.

Porro earum vel et et voluptas. Quasi repudiandae expedita consequuntur impedit at optio rerum. Sequi dolores est expedita aliquid. Itaque consequatur autem voluptatem et eum est iste.

Numquam consequatur quas sit esse saepe. Corrupti et atque ad rerum. Qui vero est id sunt repellat. Tenetur dolorum perferendis dolor molestiae nesciunt unde quisquam.

Enim reiciendis fuga et cum voluptatem. Sed cum dolor perferendis optio vel omnis impedit ut. Amet est qui sint sed natus. Ipsa asperiores consequatur nemo sed ut et labore.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 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 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 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

May 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

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”