Am I throwing away opportunities that I will regret?
Will try to keep it brief. Finishing up my analyst stint in IB and have been getting a good amount of inbounds and interviews for opportunities in PE, VC, Private Credit, L/S HF, Corp Dev, etc.
However, I am not really super passionate about these roles or the idea of fundamental investing/modeling in general. Sort of just went into IB given it what everyone else was doing and seemed like good pay/opportunity so I just put my head down and grinded it out over the last few years.
I'm honestly not sure what I really want to do next, but I do deep down feel dumb to turn down good potential money from exits that people on here praise and am not sure if it's just me being lazy/burnout. I definitely don't want to keep burning bridges with headhunters or regret losing potential opportunities that may only be available directly post-banking analyst stint.
My logic currently is why continue to do something that I don't enjoy, but conversely maybe we shouldn't necessarily "enjoy" work, particularly if it's paying us well? Is doing enjoyable work maybe just an entitled view I have? To be clear, I don't have any issue at all of putting in high hours I just want it to be on work that I find meaningful.
If helpful, I'll just throw out some of my adjacent interests if anyone has some ideas on the path forward: Public markets on a broad-level (ETFs, Rates, FX), Portfolio planning, speak/debate ideas, financial and social media/CNBC/Bloomberg, people-person (although I wouldn't necessarily call myself a great salesman but maybe it's a muscle I just need to work on).
Thank you all and happy to chat with anyone further.
Based on the insights from Wall Street Oasis, it's crucial to align your career choices with your interests and values, even in high finance. Here are some considerations and potential paths you might explore:
Exploring Public Markets and Portfolio Planning: Given your interest in ETFs, rates, and FX, you might consider roles in asset management or a research position within a financial institution where you can analyze and make recommendations on public market investments. This could also align with your interest in portfolio planning, where you could work on developing investment strategies for clients.
Financial Media and Communication: Your interest in speaking, debating ideas, and financial media suggests a potential fit in financial journalism or content creation. Positions at financial news outlets like CNBC or Bloomberg, or even starting your own financial blog or podcast, could be fulfilling. These roles would allow you to leverage your financial knowledge while engaging with a broader audience to discuss and debate financial topics.
Corporate Development: Since you have experience in IB and an interest in strategic roles, corporate development could be a good fit. This role involves working within a corporation to identify and execute mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives. It’s a field that often requires a deep understanding of financial modeling and market analysis but also allows for more strategic, big-picture thinking compared to traditional IB roles.
Sales and Relationship Management: Given your people skills, another avenue could be sales and relationship management within the financial services industry. This could involve working with high-net-worth individuals or institutional clients, helping them to manage their portfolios and investment strategies. This role would leverage your interpersonal skills and interest in financial markets.
Consider Further Education or Certifications: If you’re unsure about the direction, sometimes further education or obtaining certifications (like CFA or CFP) can open new opportunities and give you more time to decide. These credentials can also enhance your credibility and open up new roles in areas like portfolio management or financial planning.
It's important to remember that enjoying your work can significantly contribute to overall life satisfaction. While financial compensation is important, finding a role that aligns with your interests and values can lead to long-term career satisfaction and success. Don’t feel pressured to follow a traditional path if it doesn’t align with your personal and professional goals.
Sources: Any career regrets after moving from PE to public markets?, Leave MF PE for H/S MBA and Pursue Goal to Develop Country?, Would you redo IB again, Why are IB analysts so butthurt over CB?, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities
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Go to PE. You'll be great after you get through the banality of the associate stint since you are willing to put in the hours, aren't actually interested in fundamental investing, are clearly motived to make a lot of money with the least amount of risk, and have broad intellectual interests across speaking, finance, macro without being crazy/deluded/passionate enough to go through the struggle of investing/trading those markets.
Not op but similar situation. I’m struggling with your comment… if you find the work banal you would just end up feeling stuck in pe wouldn’t you?
I would look at private banking, wealth management, account manager at a large institutional investor (PIMCO, BlackRock etc), family office….things like that. Something where you can get some analytical work as well as interacting with people. I’d start setting up some fact finding calls with people in those fields to see what you would like.
Thank you very much for the response. I’ve been looking into Private Banking recently, just haven’t had any luck yet on finding a spot. I assume also I wouldn’t get much credit for being in IB and would have to start as something close to a 1st year.
I’m sure you would have to start as a 1st year but nevertheless, the goal would be to get promoted fast. Coming from IB will make people see you as someone who can get acclimated fast and see you in a positive light. Maybe a pay cut but could lead to a happier life down the road with good pay. I guess it is a trade off but it’s worth it imo, a career is a marathon not a sprint. Right now that job market is a bit down for my understanding but start networking so people can have you in mind when a spot opens. I’m sure you already did this to get into IB so similar process I guess. Goldman, JP Morgan are the two bigger PB I always see openings for.
Anything other than pe would be stupid and you would regret it badly in 10-20 years.
Dumb question but is this supposed to be sarcasm or serious lol
sarcasm. bad sarcasm tho
I’m similar situation as op and I can’t understand this comment at all
if you don’t enjoy ib why would you go pe? Why not quit your losses and try something new
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