BB Corporate Banking vs Terrible Boutique Investment Banking
BB Corp Banking vs investment banking analyst at one of the worst banks in Canada (out of the top 50 on the league tables they are consistently 45th ish).
Is it better to have a big name (with more relaxed hours to pass all CFA levels and nail a good GMAT) or to do investment banking for a terrible bank.
Any help would be deeply appreciated!!
What do you want to do in the intermediate term (~5 years)?
The boutique IB will give you a slightly better chance, assuming you actually get some deal flow, to move into a MM or BB IB. There's no replicating m&a experience.
You'll still have a solid chance of moving into IB going the corporate banking route. I did it from a MM CB to an upper MM IB. What the CB route also gives you is the chance to work less hours and still get paid well/gain relevant knowledge. If you're not looking to go into PE or be a lifer in IB - I'd go with the CB route and see how you feel after 1 year, again after 1.5-2 years, then decide if you think the grind to IB and it's 80+ hour weeks will be worth it. You'll still have the ability to move into IB (within your BB or without), have a solid brand name, and also that option to stay on and progress in cushier, while still fairly lucrative role.