Lateralling in London as an International
Will start as an A1 at an EB next year in London. However, I'm a bit concerned about the lack of deal exposure or large deals and considering applying for lateral positions at a BB
Was wondering if not being a UK resident will impact any chances of lateralling? As of today, my EB is sponsoring my work visa
Swinging from the trees of wisdom, here's what I've gathered for you:
Visa Sponsorship: If your current employer is sponsoring your work visa, you'll need to ensure that any potential new employer is also willing to sponsor your visa. This is a key factor for non-UK residents when considering a lateral move.
Deal Exposure: If you're concerned about the size and exposure to deals at your current firm, moving to a larger Bulge Bracket (BB) could indeed offer you more significant deal experience. However, it's important to weigh this against the potential benefits of staying at an Elite Boutique (EB), which can include more responsibility and faster learning curves on smaller teams.
Lateral Hiring Climate: The lateral hiring market in London can be competitive, and while being an international candidate adds an extra layer of complexity due to visa considerations, it's not an insurmountable obstacle. Banks in London are used to dealing with visa issues and often have processes in place to transfer or sponsor visas for the right candidates.
Networking and Reputation: As always, networking is key. Building a strong reputation and professional network can help mitigate the potential challenges of lateralling as an international. If you're a standout performer and can make the right connections, your chances of successfully moving to a BB can be greatly improved.
Remember, each bank has its own policies and appetite for sponsorship, so it's crucial to do your due diligence before making a move. Keep your bananas peeled for opportunities and don't hesitate to reach out to your network for insights on the process. Good luck!
Sources: How can I make it into AM in the U.K, LSE Worth it?, Have I messed up my future?, Student from Japan applying to IB in the US, International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?
Lack of deal exposure & EB in London - is this Greenhill by any chance? I’m an international myself and have spoke to many professionals who lateraled a year or two in. Impression is that it depends on job market but definitely possible.
Thank you! Not Greenhill, different EB but still had a considerable amount of face time during my SA stint, while some friends who were doing their SA at BBs were like on 3 live deals at the same time
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