IB or VC? Help!
Hey guys, I need a honest advice on what to do with my life as I am having an existential crisis...
Few info on my situation:
- Italian, 32, 5+ years of top tier strategy consulting experience in Middle East
- Left my previous job in Dubai at Engagement Manager level to start a top-ranked MBA in Europe and shift to PE or VC
- During the 1st term of the MBA, the career services dept stressed a lot how it is highly unlikely to end up in PE without BB banking experience and after few initial chats with bankers I started to consider the banking route
- I did the IB track and signed a summer internship offer at a top BB in London
Now the situation gets more complicated as my ex Manager (ex-Bain) and mentor in my previous firm just entered into a small newborn early stage VC fund in Italy ($35M AUM) and basically wants me in as I finish the MBA.
Now I really don't know what to do... the positive thing is that I still have until May 2022 to make up my mind.
On the IB side, the whole recruitment process was really intensive but once I got the offer I started to look forward to the prestige and type of deal making experience I could make, that would eventually open doors in PE or VC mega funds. On the other hand, starting as an Associate at 32 is clearly a huge down-grading from my previous job.
On the VC side, the type of work I would be doing is probably way cooler (I assume) but it's a bet... The firm is new, the fund is small, and there is no guarantee the fund will perform in the coming 5-7 years - if that's the case then I would be completely killing my career.
What would you insiders think? If you were in my shoes what would you consider and why?
I'm a lot younger than you, but I think go to the VC firm. Take the risk. Associate-level IB exits aren't as good (compared to analysts), and a lot of BB associates would probably jump to the VC firm.
If the VC firm fails, your career isn't over. You'll find something.
This is a personal decision and asking 22 year olds isn't it.
You wrote admissions essays and thought about why you wanted to do an MBA. Need to do the same process to figure out what you want long term -- it's also a bet on yourself.
I will say that getting into mega cap PE / VC is an uphilll battle.
For the MBA I just wanted a 1.5 years break that still looks good on the CV ahah
But I get your point and you are totally right - just wanted to hear the perspective of current Associates
Qui rerum natus omnis sed. Occaecati necessitatibus corrupti omnis provident. Dolorem sed autem nisi laborum excepturi ut.
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...