25 Comments
 

Pardon me—what precisely does the "elephant hunting" metaphor mean?

 

This should honestly not be your concern for the next 10-12 years at least…

With elite boutiques, it is not about some “obvious” (it’s never obvious and always political) partner track — then you are talking about an institution, not a small & specialized boutique.   It is about breaking into the industry while learning from top talent, who “have seen it all.” 

In 10 years, perhaps the place is a lot bigger — Perella and Moelis started the same way, to name only two. Allen & Co, CVP and Qatalyst aren’t large but everybody in the industry knows them and their reputation…

My advice to you is: focus on what you can control and what is relevant to you in the coming few career steps, not necessarily some endgame stuff right now as Prospect IB.   As for the rest, plenty of moving pieces to figure out along the way — secure an internship with any top shop, get a return offer, work in the industry for a few years, consider alternatives and opt in/out, plenty of years in between and then we are talking performance on VP/D and potentially an MD spot if you have a shot at solid revenue generation… not even at partner yet. Then 2-5 years of solid revenues and you have a shot.

As you can see, it may be wiser to think “where and how can I break into a top team?” / “how do I get good exposure and alternatives?” / “what culture would I prefer, bank or boutique?” / location / ….. those should be the question which are well within your (in)direct area or control. 
 

fingers crossed for the recruitment!

 

Hi, would you say a small boutique would be a good place to start a career in banking if no other options are available unless taking a masters?

 

To the more experienced readers of this: have you seen examples of analysts from the smallest of boutiques in London who kept on lateralling throughout their careers—upwards—and eventually became BB MDs decades later?

 

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