TAS to LMM IB

Hi all, looking for some advice on a potential career move. I’ve been working in Transaction Advisory Services at a boutique firm in the Southeast since June after graduating in May. So far, I’ve been performing well with strong utilization, solid feedback, and good exposure.

Recently, I received an offer for an Investment Banking Analyst role at a small middle-market boutique with about 10-15 people. IB was my original post-grad goal, so I’m naturally interested, but I’m having second thoughts. The firm is quite small and only closes a handful of deals per year, which makes me worried about being pigeonholed and limiting my exit opportunities. I also really enjoy working with my current team, and leaving after less than a year is something I’m struggling with.

In addition, I’m thinking about pursuing an MBA down the road, so I’m weighing how this move would impact my long-term goals. I’d love to hear from anyone who has made this transition before, or if you have thoughts on how this would align with a potential future MBA and a career path targeting PE or CorpDev.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

IB is IB is IB. “Investment Banking Analyst” on your resume opens doors that TAS simply doesn’t. IB experience is like playing the M&A game while TAS is like analyzing a game that’s already been played.

You can lateral to a bigger bank, get your MBA, and go into PE more easily. No one will care that you ditched TAS. It’s an obvious choice to anyone who knows the industry.

If you’re getting interest elsewhere, sure maybe wait for a better offer, but in my experience offers don’t grow on trees. I’d take it while you have it.

 

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