MBB internal change to CT track vs Energy Firm Inv Arm Project Finance role
Per subject. Now working at an MBB Specialist Track. Client facing but not as frequent as Case Team. Pay is much less too. Just got an offer from one US top energy player for its renewable energy arm to build up its investment pipeline. The team is lean and thus could touch upon M&A, Development, Investing, Policy, everything. Before letting my stakeholders know I’m leaving, a Partner is asking if I’m interested in being a consultant. I started to hesitate and rethink about the next step. Could be great to learn your thoughts: if it were you, how would you choose/how would you suggest to someone who wants to be in PE/VC?
The reason I wanted to leave:
1. Vibe: Before coming to consulting, I worked for 3 years in the non-bank financial institutions' front desk role in debt market securitization, which I feel was respected. Non Traditional Consultant is a hit or miss - being respected (40% of time), or being treated as second class citizen (60% of time).
2. Future career exit: I am 100% sure I don't want to "sell cases", and I do value the technical modeling part as part of my skill, a part that is kind of missing in management consulting, which is more into qualitative and "structuring stories". The reason I joined a consulting firm was that I didn't want to be a "securitization structured finance person".
The reason I am unsure:
1. LT goal (most important): VC/PE of the infra-related and real estate related work, including Infratech/Proptech. Some people told me a consulting firm is a better choice for VC... Some people said investment buy-side experience and banking experience are valued more. Thoughts?
2. Paycheck: if I move to the traditional consulting track, the pay as a consultant ($190K) is higher than outside opportunities. It is 50K higher than the offer of renewable energy investment I got. MBB has good perks.
3. WLB: I don't care, and never had one.
4. How I position myself: To be a specialist in a direction but not a "generalist". Even in future potential PE/VC, I hope to be in a certain field (built environment).
Friends at PE/VC, could you please share some thoughts or guidance? Also noticing that PE and VC are very different, I look forward to learning different perspectives. Should I stay to move the track, or take the offer and leave? Appreciate your input. Thank you!
Bumping for visibility
Thank you! Bumping here too!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're in a bit of a pickle, aren't you? You've got a lot of factors to consider here, and I can see why you're feeling a bit torn.
Let's break it down:
Vibe: It's important to feel respected and valued in your role. If you're not getting that vibe from your current position, it's understandable why you'd want to move on.
Pay scale: Money isn't everything, but it's definitely something. If you're being offered significantly more elsewhere, that's a big point in favor of moving on.
Future career exit: You've got a clear vision of what you don't want, which is great. It's just as important to know what you don't want as it is to know what you do want.
Now, for the reasons you're unsure:
Long-term goal: This is a big one. If your ultimate goal is to work in VC/PE, then you need to consider which path will get you there. Some people might say consulting is a better choice, others might say buy-side experience is more valuable. It's a tough call.
Paycheck: Again, money talks. If the consulting track offers a higher salary, that's a big point in its favor.
Work-life balance: You say you don't care about this, but it's something to consider. Burnout is real, and it can sneak up on you.
Positioning: You want to be a specialist, not a generalist. That's a clear vision, and it's important to keep that in mind as you make your decision.
In the end, only you can make this decision. It's a tough one, and there's no clear right or wrong answer. But I hope breaking it down like this helps you see things a bit more clearly. Good luck!
Sources: Would you leave in this situation?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/did-you-learn-more-in-pe-or-consulting?customgpt=1, A Tale of 3 Offers: What should I consider?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/venture-capital/career-prospects-after-doing-renewable-energy-sustainable-tech-pevc?customgpt=1
Bump
Et corrupti ad ut voluptatibus dolore sed. Voluptatibus neque quis nam nostrum. Asperiores voluptates reiciendis inventore natus qui dicta. Delectus rem voluptatibus quia qui vel saepe. Sequi at voluptatem et aut sunt fuga doloribus. Excepturi modi ipsa ex eum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...