Which other division/experience would better prepare me to face a career in IB?

Hi! This is my first post and as a non-English speaker, I apologize for any grammar mistakes.

I have recently been approved for a trainee program for one of Latin's America biggest BB banks. In the program, aside from intensive training, I can choose 4 frontend divisions (IB, Equity Research, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Trading, Corporate Banking, Credit, etc.) to rotate in for 3 months, or could also choose to rotate in a specific subdivision of one of the larger divisions.

After the 4 rotations, we can appoint our priority groups and if the group has any vacancy, we start working there full-time.

I am keen on going all-in in IB, but I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Would you diversify? Experiment with different areas? first What do you think would be complementary areas for a long-term career in the financial market or better exit opportunities?

If I had to choose right now, I would go 1. ?, 2. IBDCM, 3. IB – M&A/ECM, and 4. IB – Project Finance. What do you think would be a good first experience to better prepare me (skill-wise) for what I will face in IB? 

For context, I am a Law graduate, was working as a consultant for a Big 4, and have been studying corporate finance/valuation. I also want to start undergoing the CFA journey next year.

Comments (2)

2mo 
po_6, what's your opinion? Comment below:

IB will obviously prepare you the best for IB, so I'd start with that. Make sure to network with other trainees in the non-IB rotations to get an idea of the kind of work they're doing. If you find a non-IB area you think is interesting, do it second or third. The fourth rotation should be wherever you think you'd like to place out into, because you'll be front and center for any job openings that come up at the time. 

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  • Associate 3 in IB-M&A
2mo 

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