From BB IB (analyst 1) to Google sales

Hi, I am an investment banking analyst at a bulge bracket in London in a sector coverage team (not tech). I have been working in banking for one year as a full time analyst and five month as an off-cycle intern. I dislike the work-life balance and I'm not sure if I am attracted to the buy-side opportunities in finance as well. I would be happy earning £10k net per month in the future and maintaining a WLB. I recently received a job offer to join Google in Dublin as an account strategist (salesperson). I’m very tempted to accept the offer but people around me have been advising against it. The main argument is that 1) leaving banking after 1 year will close the door to future lucrative opportunities in finance if I want to stay in finance, 2) Google has become a big corporate making career progression and internal transfers difficult. Could you please share views whether I should accept this offer at Google or stay another year in banking and look for other more interesting opportunities (growth, VC, corp dev)? I previously worked in a startup and enjoyed scaling the business by marketing it through Google ads, I find it interesting to see which companies are performing well on Google ads (with a view to creating my own business in the future) and I would love to work at Google (but not in sales). I was thinking of this account strategist opportunity as an entry point at Google and growing internally in the company and eventually transferring to a more interesting department. I appreciate the decision depends on my personal circumstances (my family and friends are in London) but any advice is helpful. Thank you very much

9 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and considerations for your situation:

Pros of Staying in Banking:

  1. Future Opportunities in Finance:

    • Staying in banking for at least two years can open doors to lucrative opportunities in finance, such as private equity, venture capital, or corporate development.
    • As mentioned, "No one will scoff at two years of analyst work at an investment bank, especially technology firms."
  2. Career Progression:

    • Completing a full analyst stint can provide valuable experience and make you more competitive for top MBA programs or other prestigious roles.

Cons of Staying in Banking:

  1. Work-Life Balance:
    • The work-life balance in investment banking is notoriously challenging, which you have already experienced.

Pros of Joining Google:

  1. Interest in Google Ads and Business Scaling:

    • You have a genuine interest in Google Ads and have enjoyed using it to scale a business in the past. This could be a fulfilling aspect of the role.
  2. Potential for Internal Transfers:

    • While some argue that internal transfers at Google can be difficult, starting as an account strategist could still provide a foot in the door. You could leverage this position to network and explore other departments within Google.

Cons of Joining Google:

  1. Career Progression Concerns:

    • As noted, Google has become a large corporate entity, which might make career progression and internal transfers more challenging.
  2. Leaving Finance Early:

    • Leaving banking after just one year might limit your future opportunities in finance if you decide to return.

Additional Considerations:

  • VC and Growth Opportunities:

    • If you are interested in venture capital or growth roles, consider that transitioning from a tech role at Google to VC might be less straightforward than from banking. "Going from GS or MS to an investing role is something that happens much more frequently."
  • Personal Circumstances:

    • Your family and friends are in London, which is an important factor to consider for your overall happiness and support system.

Conclusion:

  • If you are passionate about working at Google and see it as a long-term career move, the account strategist role could be a good entry point. However, be mindful of the potential challenges in career progression and internal transfers.
  • If you are still considering a future in finance, it might be worth staying in banking for another year to solidify your experience and keep more doors open.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your long-term career goals and personal circumstances. Good luck!

Sources: Reconsidering banking after receiving offer... help?, Reconsidering banking after receiving offer... help?, Software Engineering seems like the best job one could have, The Other Road: Corporate Development Associate Fielding Questions, Negotiation for Guaranteed Promotion?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I’m going to be honest here, as an Irish citizen and somebody who works FO BB in Dublin. It is an extremely difficult place to move to given the economic conditions.

All of the graduates who moved to Dublin from continental Europe / Mediterranean are disappointed with their living conditions and life outside of the office. Bear in mind this is BBFO so socializing in the office is quite low and the office wouldn’t host a huge amount of events, where as in Google this is not the case. Unbelievable WLB that has the opportunity to completely shift your perspective on Dublin.

The weather is very harsh and a shock for most. The housing situation is diabolical and the cost of living is near parity with London, and you’re getting about 15% of what London has to offer.

The only thing that kept me in the Dublin office was family and friends who I grew up with here, but a move to London is likely in my personal pipeline for the next 3 years.

I really don’t like talking about my own country like this, as I love Ireland but primarily because I grew up here and have family and school friends.

 

Tyrant Lizard King:

BB doesn't have M&A teams in Ireland.


Ignore user title, unaware of how to change and rarely use the site - not in M&A but I am in banking.

 

Depends on your tolerance really. I would view Dublin Big Tech (Google, Meta, Amazon) excellent career places, but BB London really is top.

A problem for you is that you haven't stayed long enough in the BB environment for the best exit opportunities to crystallise. So if it were me, even if I disliked the WLB, I would stick it out fot a few more years. But then again, if it is really weighing on you and affecting your mental health / quality of life, get out of there.

IB - M&A
 
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