Too Early to go to the Buyside?

Hey guys,

Wanted to hear some opinions on my situation. I am about to wrap up my first year in M&A in London at a mid-market BB (good team). I am not burnt up or anything, but definitely I could do without working the hours we all do and the shitty lifestyle that comes with IB. I'd actually say overall I am doing better mentally than many other in position.

Here comes my question: I am advanced in a process to go work at a big HF (equities L/S multi manager) in the same sector I currently cover. If it turns into an offer, I could be out of IB after one year on the job. I definitely came in with more experience than most others (I interned 6 months at a MM PE fund and 6 months at a shit IB) but I feel like I would be leaving on the table a lot of learning, especially when it comes to attention to detail which is definitely not my strong suit.

Do you think being a junior at a HF would help me on this skill to a similar amount? What are the chances I regret moving because I start growing less (or in a different direction) than I would in IB? I definitely want to work in a position like that in the long term, however I am a bit worried it might be too early. Flipside is I might not get the opportunity again

Thanks!

2 Comments
 

I feel like if it's a good opportunity that you're excited about and at a good place you should take it. You'll still be learning new skills at the new place, and there is some degree of specialization with all this stuff so helpful to start earlier than later. Think covid has allowed folks to be a lot more opportunistic when taking new opportunities, even if before the more structured timeline.

 

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