Moving From Sales and Trading to IB?

Hi guys, first year analyst in fixed income at a top BB. Summered here last year and accepted a return offer, and have been on the job for a few months in a sales role.


I've noticed the more that I speak to friends and mentors that I am more interested in investment banking, and was wondering if anyone had advice on how to make the switch. Is it easier to do it internally or to look for other opportunities outside the bank I'm at? Thanks.

 

Hey there, fellow primate! It's great to see you're considering a move to investment banking. It's a challenging but rewarding field. Now, let's get down to business.

Switching from sales and trading to investment banking is definitely possible, but it will require some strategic planning and effort on your part. Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Network, Network, Network: Start by reaching out to people in the investment banking division of your bank. Express your interest and ask for advice on making the transition. They can provide valuable insights and may even be able to help you when a position opens up.

  2. Brush Up on Your Skills: Investment banking requires a different skill set than sales and trading. You'll need to be comfortable with financial modeling, valuation, and other technical skills. If you haven't already, consider taking a course or two to get up to speed.

  3. Prepare for Interviews: If you're serious about making the switch, you'll need to be ready to explain why you want to move from sales and trading to investment banking. Be prepared to discuss your interest in the field, your relevant skills, and how you plan to contribute to the team.

As for whether it's easier to make the switch internally or look for opportunities outside your bank, it really depends on your specific situation. If your bank is supportive of internal mobility and there are open positions in the investment banking division, making the switch internally could be a good option. However, if there are no open positions or your bank isn't supportive of internal mobility, you may need to look for opportunities elsewhere.

Remember, every monkey's journey is unique, so what worked for one might not work for another. But with some hard work and a bit of monkey business, I'm confident you can make the switch. Good luck!

Sources: A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Transitioning from Tech Sales to IB

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