HELP in making a career choice PLS
Hey guys. After consulting about 10 different people and getting mixed reviews and advice, I've finally decided to come here. I am currently a rising senior and have 2 opportunities for internships this summer - one as an 'Account Analyst- Client Management' intern at PIMCO. And the other one as a Credit Research Analyst at a boutique fixed income investment management firm. The Credit Research role I already did at this boutique firm last year and this is my return internship offer. I really liked the experience and realized that I definitely want to pursue investment management (and eventually go into trading and portfolio management being the goal).
But now, PIMCO is a really big brand name in AM. I am only hesitant about being stuck in the Client Management and Services role in the long run. I don't know how easy/hard it is to laterally move from Client Management roles in PIMCO to the PM and Trading roles. If anyone has any insight on that pls let me know. But I also plan on going to MBA school after 3-4 years so again - PIMCO as a brand name would look great on the CV.
I am really confused guys - I like the investment research, trading and PM roles and want to do that in the future. I'm afraid that a Client Management role will shut down a lot of the analytical exit opportunities and keep me tied to sales or investor relations or client services role.
If you guys were in my place - what offer should I take. (for reference let's assume that I have a fair shot of getting a full-time offer from both these places, so the decision only comes down to what would be good for my career goals in the long-term)
Ah, the classic dilemma of choosing between a prestigious brand name and a role that aligns more closely with your long-term career goals. Let's break this down, shall we?
Option 1: Account Analyst- Client Management at PIMCO
Pros:
Cons:
Option 2: Credit Research Analyst at a Boutique Fixed Income Investment Management Firm
Pros:
Cons:
Given your ultimate goal of moving into trading and portfolio management, and considering your plan to pursue an MBA, here's a thought: The brand name of PIMCO could indeed enhance your MBA application and open up networking opportunities. However, the relevance and depth of experience in your desired field are crucial. If you believe in your ability to leverage the PIMCO brand to eventually transition into a role more aligned with your interests, it could be a strategic move. On the other hand, continuing with the Credit Research Analyst role would provide you with direct experience and potentially make you a stronger candidate for trading and PM roles immediately, albeit with a smaller firm.
In essence, if you're confident in your networking and lateral movement capabilities, PIMCO could offer a strategic advantage. However, if you want to ensure your day-to-day work is closely aligned with your long-term goals from the get-go, the boutique firm seems like the way to go. Remember, in the world of finance, both the brand and the relevance of experience play pivotal roles in shaping your career trajectory.
Sources: Career Path Starting as Credit Analyst, Q&A: From Big4 Audit -> Big4 Advisory -> MBA -> AM Portfolio Manager, Two Offers, both bad, help me decide, Makena Capital, Allianz Global Investors Graduate Programme vs IB?
I’d just take the role that you like and is more similar to what your long term goals are. If you do well there you won’t even need an MBA? Not sure why you would plan to do that if you don’t need it.
It is very difficult, basically impossible to move from Account Management to Trading/PM at PIMCO.
do you think it'll be possible to make that shift after going to graduate (MBA) school?
Possible yes, but I think still quite low probability. They only hire a handful (5) MBAs into trading roles per year. I'm sure as a former employee you'd probably get a better chance in the interviews but I don't recall ever seeing any traders who were previously in Accounts roles regardless of if they had an MBA or not.
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