Internship at EY or work at a commercial bank ??

Hello guys,

I have graduated from top university in my country (EU region) and recently received offers from Big4 (EY- junior accountant) and from a big commercial bank (anti-fraud department). They all have pros and cons but I have a hard time deciding what is best for my cv. I am interested in investment banking and consulting but most importantly I want to gain working experience in finance so that I look competitive for the admissions team at a top MBA program (particularly Ivy-league school). I really need your thoughts on this topic.  Also what are your thoughts about JD/MBA?? is it worth it?? 

 

If you're interested in IB or Consulting, EY is the easy choice IMO. After a year or so, try to lateral to transaction advisory/M&A services, and that will be a pretty straight forward stepping stone to IB, PE, PC, etc. If that doesn't work, accounting -> MBA -> IB/PE/Consulting shouldn't be terribly difficult. Even accounting at a Big 4 straight to IB shouldn't be impossible.

 

Ah, the classic dilemma of choosing between the Big 4 and the banking sector! Both paths have their merits, especially when you're eyeing a future in investment banking or consulting and aiming for an Ivy-league MBA. Let's peel this banana and take a closer look:

EY - Junior Accountant: - Pros: - Prestige: EY is part of the Big 4, which is well-regarded globally and could shine on your CV. - Diverse Experience: You'll gain a broad understanding of accounting, which is fundamental in finance. - Networking Opportunities: Big 4 firms have extensive networks, which could be beneficial for future career moves. - Path to Consulting: EY, like other Big 4 firms, has a consulting branch, which could be a stepping stone for you.

  • Cons:
    • Specialization: The role is accounting-focused, which may not align perfectly with investment banking.
    • Work Intensity: Big 4 are known for demanding hours, which might limit time for additional pursuits.

Big Commercial Bank - Anti-Fraud Department: - Pros: - Relevance: Working in a bank could provide more relevant experience to the finance sector. - Insight into Banking Operations: Understanding the inner workings of a bank can be invaluable. - Specialized Skill Set: Anti-fraud is a niche area that could make you stand out.

  • Cons:
    • Less Prestigious: While still respected, it may not carry the same weight as the Big 4 in some circles.
    • Narrower Focus: The anti-fraud department is specialized, which might not provide as broad an experience.

As for the JD/MBA, it's a hefty combo that can open doors in corporate law, investment banking, and high-level strategic roles. However, it's a significant time and financial investment. Consider: - Career Goals: Does your dream job require a deep understanding of both business and law? - Opportunity Cost: Are you prepared to spend extra years studying instead of gaining work experience? - Financial Investment: Can you manage the tuition without crippling debt?

In the end, it's about aligning your choice with your long-term goals. Both offers have the potential to set you up for success in an MBA application, especially if you can demonstrate leadership, impact, and progression within your role.

Remember, it's not just the name of the company but what you do there that counts. Make sure to swing from the branches of opportunity and grab those bananas of experience that will make your MBA application stand out!

Sources: Big 4: Comparing Audit vs. Tax?, PWC Forensic Advisory vs Deloitte Risk Advisory vs EY Risk Advisory (HONG KONG) - Chances on getting into Management Consulting, Worth Attempting to Transfer from Semi-Target to Target?, Pros and Cons of internships abroad, EY vs. PwC vs. Accenture?

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

Est corrupti aliquam veniam ex qui. Minima ut vel vero culpa accusamus mollitia.

Magnam aliquid et ad soluta nam at iure et. Molestiae numquam quia dolores reiciendis voluptate nisi quo. Perferendis illum assumenda omnis sapiente officia. Eum rerum quam aliquam aut voluptas soluta incidunt.

Occaecati adipisci animi enim vel accusantium sapiente architecto quibusdam. Beatae quasi omnis dolore officiis dignissimos eos non. Alias et nulla perspiciatis aperiam debitis vero fuga aut.

Sed quo sapiente minus ad officiis. Rem id corporis ut deleniti dolor iste qui. Sint est rerum qui. Aut quas ex reprehenderit odio voluptatibus pariatur dolores odio. Facilis ab tenetur aut eos ut ea quis. Facilis dicta est voluptatem iste laudantium aut. Totam dolorem in tenetur totam magni.

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”