Big Startup vs IB
I have at the moment the toughest decision to make in my life- to choose between a big startup (think Airbnb/Uber/Dropbox) or an IB (think UBS/GS/JPM) and I would like your opinion before deciding.
To provide some details, they are both for an office which are non-US, non major tech or financial hub. The offers for both revolve around operations, at entry-level.
I am leaning towards the startup (if they are still considered a startup) offer, as it aligns with my passion, work ethic, skills, and end goal- which is to be an entrepreneur myself in the future. They are still expanding in that particular region, and I would have plenty of opportunities to pick up work outside the operations function and thereby learn a lot. Essentially, I can see myself motivated every morning to go to work.
For the IB offer, it's great for only 2 reasons really, brand name and job security. I have almost zero interest in finance, and from what I understand, it's a primarily back/middle office role; I have no qualms with that as being in the front office in a bank is not something I'm keen on. This I can't see myself eager to get up every morning.
So once again, before deciding, I'd like opinion from all of you on which offer is, well, better. I can provide more information if it helps.
Startup - aligns better with what you want, plus working in a bank in a MO/BO role just isn't all that appealing in general.
Startup seems like it's more interesting and is more aligned with what you want to do in the future. I'd pick that.
What is your role at the startup?
None of those are start ups
Go with the startup. Working in the middle office/back office isn't that great.
Honestly, this doesn't seem like a hard decision. If you're actually working at Airbnb, Uber, or Dropbox, all three of those firms have just as good (if not better) brand names compared to any major investment bank. I can't imagine job security would be bad either.
This is definitely a no brainer especially given the IB role is not front office, but MO/BO (your role and responsibilities matter more than the firm name here), and also your lack of interest in finance. Go with the large "startup" which aligns with your interest and would provide a better experience vs. MO/BO.
Choose the start-up; it's important to be passionate about what you do.
Many bankers end up at the firms you just listed after the 2 yr analyst stint - probably not in the roles you're considering, but seems like a no brainer
You are asking on a forum filled with elitists with mentality of front office or bust. What answer are you expecting?
I think you answered your own question. Life's too short to do something you don't enjoy.
Back office is a waste. Go for the startup
Sounds like you answered your own question..
If your end-goal is entrepreneurship, any of those three "start-ups" has a better brand than the three banks you mentioned.
Traditional Ops roles in banks and corporations usually suck and the culture is bland, but I would imagine regardless of role at one of those startups, it would be pretty cool.
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