Bad desk placement - what to do next

I'm starting at a BB S&T. Group placement didn't go as expected, mostly because the desks I wanted both didn't have headcount at the last second. I'm now in a sales role that I really am not excited for.

Any advice on what I should do? Apply to other banks? I had a few buyside offers coming in. Should I reach back out to them?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some steps you can consider:

  1. Evaluate Your Current Role:

    • Even if the sales role isn't what you initially wanted, give it a fair chance. Sometimes, roles can turn out to be more interesting and valuable than they seem at first glance.
  2. Network Internally:

    • Start networking within your current bank. Build relationships with people on the desks you were initially interested in. Express your interest and see if there might be opportunities to transition in the future.
  3. Reach Out to Previous Offers:

    • If you had buyside offers coming in, it might be worth reaching back out to them. Explain your current situation and see if those opportunities are still available.
  4. Consider Lateral Moves:

    • Look into lateral opportunities at other banks. Sometimes, moving to a different bank can provide the role you are more interested in.
  5. Leverage Your Experience:

    • Use the experience you gain in your current role to build your resume. Even if it's not your ideal position, the skills and knowledge you acquire can be valuable for future opportunities.
  6. Stay Positive and Proactive:

    • Keep a positive attitude and stay proactive in seeking out opportunities. Sometimes, the best roles come from unexpected places.

Remember, career paths can be winding, and sometimes the roles we least expect can provide the most growth and opportunity. Good luck!

Sources: Non-target average student declined BB trading ops offer, now having some second thoughts, Would appreciate some advice, How to get over a superday rejection?, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

In equities at a BB, maybe the same as yours, and just had the same thing happen. Bumping this for any helpful advice.

 

Exercitationem ea aut a molestiae enim similique reiciendis dolorum. Numquam et facilis iste. Quas ut quibusdam minus in culpa voluptas culpa. Accusantium consequatur et omnis error consequuntur.

Sed consequatur natus nesciunt. Rerum enim est quia veniam rerum sunt. Soluta consequatur consectetur deleniti quia eum et. Natus debitis sapiente dolorem et sit vel. Qui delectus consequuntur est provident harum sunt. Error repellendus totam delectus facilis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”