What are my options?

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Perhaps consider a Masters degree? I appreciate that this costs money which might not be an option (we're also in May which isn't great for timing). I think you're exactly right to pursue Audit (as you did with KPMG). As a route to IB / PE (which is all I personally know), this is your most probably route. Do the Audit 3 year program and finish top of your peer group, and ideally transition to TS / CF or FDD - from here it's not uncommon to move to LMM / MM banks or PE funds (or their PortCos). 

It's just my opinion, and I'm a random guy on the internet, but I think the harsh truth is that you have close to nil likelihood of directly entering IB / PE with your background. There may be others on these forums who have a better view of other options (such as Consulting or wealth management).

You might have a chance with the supranational investment banks like EBRD or IFC, but I'm not sure about this, and you might run into some of the same issues that you're facing with your current role.

 

Hi thanks for the reply, what would be a worth while masters, Ive considered history at UCL, Political economy at KCL and Economic history at LSE, which of those would be worth while, heard history at ucl and kcl generally are not good opitions?I see, Iam more interested in Consulting, IB I think is beyond my ability, and I turned down the audit offer as the pay was very poor. I work in commercial management and procurement in the civil service.

 

I don't mean to be harsh, but rather honest, in that turning down the Audit offer was the most short-sighted decision you could have made. It sucks to be an Auditor for 3 miserable years but then, once a qualified accountant, you pay and optionality steps up substantially. It's also worth pointing out that the raw fee cost of a Masters combined with the opportunity cost of not earning a salary for a year likely outweighs the lower salary of an Auditor vis-a-vis your current role. The point of suggesting Audit is not to pursue a career as an Auditor.

If you do an Masters, it would only be as a stepping stone to another career path; it's unlikely in itself to unlock a high tier IB (or any tier) IB or Consulting role (I think more likely to enter Consulting but I don't know that world well).

 

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