Is the dream worth it? or do I pursue other paths...
For context:
I am a final-year student in the UK. I go to Russell Group University (Target University), and I have some options for what I can do after graduation.
I had an internship last summer in renewable energy with one of the world's largest Oil and Gas companies, and I'm essentially responsible for the economic and financial modelling of all projects we deal with. After the summer I transitioned from working full-time to working part-time (3 days a week) whilst in my final year of uni. They've indicated to me that they want me to return after graduation and that in April, they will proceed with the offer negotiations for my full-time contract.
I have also been applying to various grad schemes and trying to get a job in high finance, as this has been my aim for quite a while. I've been fortunate enough to be offered a Valuations Advisory role at a non-big-4 accounting and advisory firm (think BDO, RSM, etc).
My current plan is to just accept the valuation offer and try to get my ACA or CFA, then transition into Investment Banking.
My questions to this forum would be:
1. Is it worth the time commitment, and is it feasible if I have the drive and ambition to achieve this in 2-3 years?
2. Is there a benefit to continuing my work at my current company? And if so, what opportunities for high finance would there be, and in what timeframe would I be able to pivot into these roles?
I do appreciate everyone's input and help,
thank you
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Valuation Advisory Role and Transition Feasibility:
Continuing with Your Current Company:
Key Considerations:
Recommendation:
Ultimately, both paths are viable, but your decision should align with your long-term career goals and interests. If you're still unsure, you could accept the valuation offer while continuing to explore opportunities within your current company until April when the full-time offer negotiations occur. This way, you keep your options open.
Sources: Q&A: Big Four Valuation Associate - Deciding Whether This Job Is Right For You, Q&A: Big Four Valuation Associate - Deciding Whether This Job Is Right For You, Global Credit Rating Agency ---> Backdoor to High Finance, Q&A: From Big4 Audit -> Big4 Advisory -> MBA -> AM Portfolio Manager, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1
the oil and gas work you've been doing sounds way more interesting, why don't you want to continue with it?
It’s very interesting work, and its in a growing industry aswell - solar powered renewable energy.
My pull towards the valuations scheme comes from my desire to work in a more financial markets focused advisory role and fear of uncertainty.
i’m not sure where I can go after a few years in this industry and whether there will be as lucrative opportunities as one gets in IB.
the grad scheme offers structure and a chance to get some qualifications, and then a pathway into IB where i’ll essentially have a known and structured pathway into further opportunities.
I guess I’m stuck as I don’t want to regret any decisions I make. The way I see it there’s two main areas of concern:
- It will take a long time - and still not be guaranteed - to break into IB if i take this grad scheme
- If i continue with my current role a) would I feel regret not going into financial services and b) what opportunities will there be for me in the long run
* also to add, i’m not looking for someone to make a decision for me. I know that at the end of the day the decision - and my life choices - are at my hand. I’m just a bit paranoid and looking for different perspectives
i would stay with what you are doing honestly. why go to a non-big 4, qualify then have a minute chance of getting into a (low-tier) IB? totally not worth it. youre at a top oil/gas company working on some cool stuff. there's more room to move up the corporate ladder, move around diffeent departments AND live a good lifestyle with reasonable/imcreasig pay as you move up. im sure you can switch to corpdev/internal M&A, which will be good for the CEO track long-term. you can also go to a more investing-heavy team which deploys capital for particular projects, then exit to an M&A (project financing advisory) shop or energy PE firm
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