Big4 valuation - Too much back office work. Suggestions for next step?

Hi guys,

I have been employed at a Big4 valuation team for the past year, but I am not happy so I know I have to move on sooner or later, but I am a bit confused where to move as I have already worked in three different areas since graduation (two different firms).

I graduated 5 years ago with average grades which left me in a though position trying to get in to the big banks, consulting firms etc. 

After two years in a small company I managed to get a position at a Big4 and after 1,5 years in the Real Estate-team I managed to make an internal transfer to the valuation-team. Initially, I wanted the transfer as I knew the experience would finally make my resume attractive and I wanted to gain experience with “real finance”.

After a year in the team I haven’t really felt exited. I am stuck behind my desk working long hours. I have only met a couple of clients and attended a few calls with clients. I feel like all my days a the same and I feel trapped. I am very extrovert and draw energy from networking and working on more commercial projects or investment cases where the aim is not just to deliver a technical report or financial model to the tax authorities or so. So I feel I am working in a back office position but should be working front office.

I have wondered if my next step is to pursue investment banking, corporate finance, VC, PE etc., but are wondering if I will become more happy in any of theese areas. I also like the financial markets and have also though about hedgefunds, asset management etc. but will again be afriad to get stuck behind a desk.

If anyone have any thoughts about my situation I would appreciate to hearing from you. Especially; Should I stay a bit more in my current job as I would need more experince to have an attractive resume? Which direction would you suggest me to move based on my experience and my interests? Any personal stories would be a great help.

When the current covid-19 situation is over I would like to move abroad so in terms of opportunities I am not constrained by a specific location and would rather see myself living in a big financial centre (NY, London etc.).

Thanks in advance