Talking to IB people who hate IB, how?

So I had a quick phone call with a MM analyst, nice guy overall, but at one point he started complaining about his job. He basically ranted on how much shit he went through at college just to be an excel monkey, and directly claiming that he is seeking exits. He even told me to consider other "better" career options. As a dumb sophomore new to networking stuff, I didn't know what to say and we went awkwardly silent for a few sec

How can I handle a similar situation in future?  

6 Comments
 

He didn't really use an angry tone lol, more like giving me a life lesson on why IB is not worth it. The bigger problem is that I do like his firm and might still have to keep in touch with him if he's not out before recruiting lol. But thanks for the joke haha.

 

I’d try not to let one guy discourage you too much. Even on WSO over the last ~month, people have made tons of threads where they’re adamantly pro or vehemently negative towards IB.

It’s good to collect a variety of opinions but ultimately you gotta think for yourself.

Personally, I think IB is a great path out of college. If you believe you can handle the hours/stress that comes with the job, then go in with open eyes and a smile on your face. Otherwise, there’s plenty of less hardcore finance jobs out there with better WLB

 

The person is just feeling sorry for themself. Although to be honest, IB just doesn’t make sense for most people, but college kids blindly follow along.

It makes sense for the following group:

future bankers, future investors, future entrepreneurs, future acquisition professionals, people in a lot of debt.

If your goal is to just get a nice or prestigious job and coast after, you’d be better off in consulting. People like the guy you talked to kinda follow the prestige and end up in a really grueling career without a reason why, which is a foundation for an unhappy life. I hate IB and am leaving, but it’s a great first job and is worth it if you can keep it together.

 

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