whats a better career route, FDD or IB/Corp Dev offer?

Recently received an offer at a well known bank for an investment banking M&A position that focuses on advising 3rd parties as well as doing internal M&A development, both on the buy side and sell side. The group goes through periods of time where it focuses on one or the other. The internal M&A does not relate to just buying other banks, the company is in the business of buying and selling companies in several industries.

Is it better to take this offer or stay in an FDD role and continue looking for a more traditional IB role?

 
Most Helpful

That's a very interesting and odd/mix. If you are advising 3rd parties, I assume this is across various industries vs. corporate development in FIG/Fintech. Doesn't seem like an easy way to leverage experience (modeling, positioning/investment highlights much different between financial services and other segments), but you'll have good range of broad experience to draw from and be able to do some of everything to figure out what you like and dislike about IB and CD.

Given this is an extraordinary position, I would suggest not disclosing the bank, which will make it harder to provide advice. I think you should do diligence on the percentage of external vs. internal, the group and reporting structure (along with roles and responsibilities) and career path/trajectory in this role.

Number of deals per year (will/should be higher external vs. internal) per MD would be a good metric to start with.

 

Enim et quia ut vitae aut minima suscipit. Qui quae nobis officia enim optio. Dolorem totam alias temporibus laborum ratione adipisci optio. Vel itaque ut exercitationem animi iusto vero dolores.

Dignissimos voluptas corporis sint consequuntur et. Quis rem in asperiores sit voluptas maxime. Et nemo recusandae nam sed nobis. Non consequatur eveniet omnis voluptas. Quo est ut ut necessitatibus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”