Brokerage or Principal

Has anybody worked in both capital markets/investment sales and on the principal side? What are some pros and cons to both roles? I'm interning in capital markets this summer but am still really interested in the principal side. Would appreciate any thoughts on either one.

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I'm mostly saying it due to preference, the bad status of the market right now isn't scaring me away from a career in brokerage because I'm sure it will bounce back. I like sales and if I perform well at my internship this summer there's a chance I could get a return offer which means I'll probably stay in brokerage. I did want some perspective on the principal side as well because I still consider it an option. Best of luck to you!

 
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Some advantages of jumping into brokerage right now are BOV volume, OMs are still getting out there and some deals are getting done for the bonus pools, and the network/loyalty you can build with your supervisors and peers. 

Sticking with a rainmaking broker during the past year/into the next year could set you up for a strong career. Then, if you progress up the ranks and are only 1/3 30 year old guys in your respective markets that focuses on industrial investment sales at the institutional level, you can make serious money executing for your SR MD your 1st phase of production. Then as he retires and your competition bows out, you could be 1 of 2/3 MDs in a market competing for institutional business and making 7 figures annually. 

Brokerage is not for everyone, but you may have far less competition moving up the ranks than you would on the principal side. Just food for thought that not many young professionals consider. 

 

Great insight, thanks for sharing. I definitely am leaning more on the brokerage side, but I'll really be able to tell once I finish my internship. Do you think industrial is the way to go? 

 

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