Lateraling from MBB to a BB/EB/MM Bank

I would like to lateral from MBB to a bank in Europe. 

Different rationales but most of it is that I enjoy corporate finance and also have a degree in finance. I think having both, consulting and transaction execution experience will make me a better investor later in life. 

I know the market is quiet tough atm but how would you see this when it picks up? I rarely see job postings outside the official analyst programs that are typically geared toward non experienced hires. 

Probably also can't join as an Assoc though without doing the traditional MBA route. However, this would exclude me from good buyside exits. 

How do you see this?

2 Comments
 

Switching from MBB to a bank in Europe can be a challenging but rewarding move. It's true that having both consulting and transaction execution experience can make you a more versatile professional in the long run.

When the market picks up, there could be more opportunities for lateral moves. However, as you've noted, most job postings are for official analyst programs aimed at less experienced hires.

Moving directly to an Associate role without an MBA might be difficult, but not impossible. It largely depends on the bank and the specific role. Some banks might value your MBB experience and be willing to consider you for an Associate position, while others might require the traditional MBA route.

As for buy-side exits, it's true that having an MBA can open more doors. However, your unique combination of consulting and banking experience could also be attractive to buy-side firms, especially those looking for a diverse range of skills and experiences.

In conclusion, while there are certainly challenges to making this move, it's not impossible. It will require careful planning, networking, and potentially some flexibility on your part. Good luck!

Sources: Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, Lateral hire from another consulting firm to MBB, Lateraling into MBB help!

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