Struggling to transition to IB from Big4 during market downturn
Hi fellow Monkeys,
Hope you all had a great Christmas break with your loved one!
I’m currently working in Big4 Audit (UK Regional, recently qualified) and trying to transition to IB. Before joining IB, I did my undergrad at a top semi-target school and a postgrad at a target one.
I have been trying to follow the established route Audit -> TAS -> IB, but even my current firm and other Big4 do not have any openings in TAS due to the market downturn. I have been networking internally, but all said no opportunities were available and advised me to send them a speculative application (which I did).
At the same time, I also attempted applying for IB analyst roles (qualified chartered accountant) advertised at EBs and BBs, and despite having referral emails through networking, I got rejected from all of them. This could very well be down to the lack of transaction experience.
Now I’m quite unsure what should be the next move. Potentially I may try applying for less relevant role than TAS, such as valuations. However, this runs a risk of extending my transition by months/years, as valuation may not be viewed favourably comparing to TAS.
This also arrives at my second concern that I’m already 26 y.o, and I’m worried that when I reach a certain age IBs may not want to recruit as I’m too old for junior roles. Therefore, the longer my transition phase the lower the chance to break into IB.
Really appreciate if any fellow chimps can advise me the next move. Cheers guys.
MBA if you can cough up the money. Idk how UK works but in USA if you get into a top 7 MBA you’ll be good. I’m in a valuations role right now (Duff, HL, Lincoln). I expect a lot of turnover to banking when the markets open up more. Although the lack of transaction experience is tough to overcome in interviews compared to TAS, not many will question your technical knowledge.
The modeling is much different in valuations tho. Never done a three statement.
Many top bschools hire from big 4 - build good relationships with the people you work with so you can get some recs. Also get a GMAT higher than 750 for those programs
your best bet will be mid-cap brokers Panmure Gordon, Liberum, Peel Hunt, Investec, ShoreCap, Deutsche Numis - ideally you've audited some of their retained clients which will help you spin your commercial awareness
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