Accept BB offer or stay at LMM?
I have an IB AN offer from a BB in NY (I’m currently the same position at a LMM bank in LA). I’m having trouble committing to a decision on what to do and would appreciate any advice.
For background, I lived my whole life in CA and plan to stay here long term. Going to NY would be fun for a couple years but is not a long term option for me. Currently, I’m ranked first in my analyst class and will be receiving a promotion after this year. Going to the BB would mean I have to re-establish myself while I already am very well positioned at my current bank.
I also want to transition to PE but am happy to stay in IB if it doesn’t pan out. I have been in several PE processes and made it to final rounds but have not converted yet. I understand the BB bank will have better PE exit opps.
More personally, I have a long term GF in LA I plan to stay with and most of my friends and family are in CA (I have a select few in NY).
Overall, I want to be in CA long term, maintain my relationships, and I’m already well respected / have long term growth in my LMM bank. However, I see the appeal of a BB bank including how it relates to converting a PE offer and being more brand-name.
What is the best course of action to take here?
For more context, this is a mid tier BB.
Id personally not switch because I value connections and my personal life more than an extra bump of aura.
Gl with decision
Thank you, I appreciate it. I agree with your point but am also trying to factor in PE conversion probabilities which is my end goal
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You can always come back if you don't like it. Going BB -> LMM is easier than LMM -> BB.
Thanks I appreciate the insight. I see your point, but I’m trying not to move around very much. At the most it would be from here to there to PE
Curious why you decided to look for a role in NYC if you’re setup nicely in LA (both work and personal)? I imagine if you wanted to go to a BB given your background, getting that in an LA office is just a matter of time?
You bring up a good point, thanks for your perspective. I was looking at it through the lens of my analyst program ticking down and I want to transition to PE
NYC is not looking so hot right now and it sounds like you like LA. More to life than work. Think you should seriously consider staying in LA. NYC IB will likely be significantly more sweaty.
Definitely think you can interview around in LA a bit more and land a lateral IB offer that would set you up for PE opps.
I think everyone should spend a few years in NYC. Also, getting brand value on your resume does matter (you don't realize it does until you need it). I would take it
Understand that you have to re-establish yourself but are you going to be promoted summer of 2026 instead of summer 2025 if join the BB? People do say that it’s a blip in your career but I do feel like an extra year extra as an analyst definitely drags on and should be accounted for in the decision calculus. I have to say kudos to you for securing an up market offer in a relatively frigid lateral market
Understand that you have to re-establish yourself but are you going to be promoted summer of 2026 instead of summer 2025 if join the BB? People do say that it’s a blip in your career but I do feel like an extra year extra as an analyst definitely drags on and should be accounted for in the decision calculus. I have to say kudos to you for securing an up market offer in a relatively frigid lateral market
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