Transitioning into risk - the right move?

Really enjoy reading the forum, lots of great advice.

Unfortunately, I was a casualty to a round of layoffs in my firm 3 - 4 months back. I've recently landed an offer to join a risk team for a major oil firm in Houston, but frankly I do have a preference to stay within the function which I've been in for the past three years (structuring). My initial thought process was that I could hold on to this role in the interim and since I already have the experience in structuring I could always make the switch once I put in my time or once an opportunity presents itself. However, I am worried that moving into risk would be detrimental in that jumping back into a front office role would be incredibly difficult once I make the switch.

Just to give an idea on my background, I've worked in structuring for 3 years. Prior to that I was in Market Risk for a bulge bracket.

Any thoughts/advice/input would be greatly appreciated.

3 Comments
 

How many years into your career are you?

My experience in risk is that it's a better deal for people who have done a good amount of time in front office and bring some front office credibility with them.

On the other hand, what's your next best alternative option?

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

SSits - thanks for the response.

I'm entering my 7th year working since graduation. I've been in a structuring/origination role for the past 3.5 years or so. Prior to that I worked in market risk.

In one hand, I think there's something to be said about not staying "stale" by actively working and staying current with the market. Truth be told risk is not a bad place to be at all. Additionally, there doesn't seem to be much hiring going on currently. On the flipside though, I'm a bit concerned that making the switch may be viewed in a negative light by future employers (maybe the move to risk shows a lack of direction..etc) since I'm really viewing this opportunity as an interim solution until the market picks up...

 

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