Are Commercial Banking Exit Opps good or should I stick to audit

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights into the exit opportunities from both commercial banking and audit roles:

Commercial Banking Exit Opportunities:

• Broad Exit Opportunities: Exit opportunities from commercial banking can be quite broad. Individuals have successfully transitioned to investment banking, capital markets, private equity, venture capital, corporate development, and even management consulting.
• Buyside Roles: Common exits for corporate banking on the buyside typically involve debt investing, including private credit funds, CLOs, and other credit funds.
• Senior Roles: At the VP level and above, common exits include treasurer roles, CFO roles, and positions at other banks.
• Skill Development: In corporate banking, you will learn to understand and think about a company's capital structure and gain knowledge about the syndicated loan market and DCM in general.

Audit (Big 4) Exit Opportunities:

• Industry Coverage: Big 4 audit experience can provide a strong foundation in accounting and financial analysis, which is valuable for various finance roles.
• Transition to Commercial Banking: There are successful transitions from Big 4 audit roles to commercial banking, as evidenced by individuals sharing their experiences on WSO.
• Diverse Career Paths: Big 4 experience can lead to roles in corporate finance, internal audit, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and even corporate development.

Considerations:

• Current Job Market: Given the current challenging job market, securing a role at a large commercial bank or a Big 4 firm is commendable. Both paths offer solid foundations and can lead to high finance exit opportunities.
• Personal Preference and Career Goals: Your decision should also consider your personal interests and long-term career goals. If you are more interested in understanding and working with a company's capital structure and syndicated loans, commercial banking might be more aligned with your goals. If you prefer a strong foundation in accounting and financial analysis, the Big 4 audit role could be more suitable.

Conclusion:

Both commercial banking and Big 4 audit roles offer valuable exit opportunities into high finance. Commercial banking might provide a more direct path to roles in corporate banking, investment banking, and public finance, while Big 4 audit experience offers a strong foundation for various finance roles. Given the current job market, either option is a solid choice, and your decision should align with your career interests and goals.

Sources: BB Corporate Banking Exit Opps?, 2017 Commercial/Corporate Banking Bonuses, Why the focus on exit opps?, IB doesn't have as much exit opps as this website made me believe, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking