Institutional FI Sales Associate or IBD Analyst

Hi All,

Hope everyone is doing great! Recently I've had the ultimate luck of being interviewed for an Associate S&T (institutional sales specifically) and Analyst Investment Banking position. The S&T is at a top 20 (Canadian firm) while the Investment Banking is Bulge Bracket (think Citi, JP, etc). I know I should do what I am interested in most, however, I enjoy both equally. The only difference to me really is that the S&T is at an Associate level due to my past experience whereas the IBD is at an Analyst level due to BB off-cycle recruitment (lucky).

I wanted to get the thoughts from industry folks if they were in the same position, which one would they choose and why (now or retrospectively). I've read a lot on here about hours (IBD > S&T), exit opps (IBD > S&T), salary (IBD > S&T), divorce rate (IBD > S&T ...kidding!!) but am I missing something here?

Thank you so much and I really appreciate your two cents!

-NEVER GIVING UP

4 Comments
 

One thing I would consider is that the FICD groups have been getting hollowed out of late so I would want to ensure you were at a relatively stable platform, on a stable desk. Top 20 is fairly broad and particularly if it's a foreign bank, you want to ensure they're not going to shut that desk/office down (particularly if it's a boutique and not big 5, if there are any left.).

But, FI sales is likely going to be a lot more fun, at least in the short term. If you have the personality being out with clients is >>>>> looking up obscure precedents until 2am.

 

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