US IB to LDN PE

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on recruiting for buy-side roles in London from the US and lateraling from a US bank to a UK bank at the analyst level:

Recruiting for Buy-Side in London from the US:

1. High-Probability Paths:

   • Lateral Move: Lateral 6-18 months into your time at your current bank, then recruit out of that analyst program for buy-side jobs.
   • Direct Recruitment: Recruit for buy-side opportunities directly out of your current banking analyst program and accept the best offer you get. Focus on building your skill-set as an investor and your profile for business school applications to enhance your chances.

2. Skill Development:

   • Moving to a better bank can set up a stronger buy-side path from the start. This involves getting yourself as 'on model' as possible to align with the expectations of buy-side recruiters.

Lateraling from a US Bank to a UK Bank at the Analyst Level:

1. Experience Requirement:

   • Typically, you need 9-12 months of experience to make a strong case for lateraling. This ensures that the new firm sees you as committed and not likely to jump ship quickly.

2. Proactive Job Search:

   • Constantly search for lateral positions and set up notifications on job aggregators like LinkedIn or Indeed.
   • Create positions for yourself by actively seeking out opportunities. Reach out to friends or cold email other banks to see if there are openings, as many banks may not post these positions publicly.

3. Networking:

   • Networking is crucial. Reach out to people with similar backgrounds and leverage your connections to find lateral opportunities.

4. Internal Mobility:

   • Some banks have internal mobility programs that might allow you to switch locations or groups. However, this can vary by firm and may not always be possible.

Additional Considerations:

• Deal Flow and Technical Skills: Moving to a bank in the US can provide greater deal exposure, which can help develop technical skills faster. This can be valuable if you plan to return to the UK or another market later.
• Long-Term Goals: Consider your long-term career goals. If you plan to stay in banking long-term, the work-life balance and opportunities in different markets can vary.

Hope this helps! If you have more specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask.

Sources: Canada to NYC Lateral, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/going-from-mm-investment-bank-to-mega-fund?customgpt=1, Lateralling Job Market, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, Lifetime banker: Cost of temporarily switching countries?