Financial Advisory at a global investment bank VS sell-side M&A at a boutique middle market shop?
I am trying to decide whether I want to work in the Financial Advisory department of a global investment bank, or do sell-side M&A work at a middle market boutique. My current projected career path is to work in investment banking for around five years, then try to leverage that experience to find a position in PE. My thoughts on applying for the FAS position was that I could work there for a few years to gain experience and then transition into a true investment banking role. Here are some of the pros/cons I've drafted up so far:
Financial Advisory:
-work on huge, interesting deals > will be great experience and will also give good interview stories
-hours are pretty reasonable
-firm name would look good on resume
Boutique M&A:
-pay is significantly greater
-work culture / people would be better (based on interactions with people at both)
-more in line with my long-term career goals
What do people think? Is it worth doing something that I don't want to do for a few years to better my resume and experience?
Thanks!
-Pickle
guessing FAS at HL? What kind of boutique is this. A Baird/Blair type of place?
Whoops, had to re-type the topic and forgot an important detail. The boutique bank is less than 10 years old, and has grown from 2 people to 20 people in that time period. From discussion w/ the MDs, they continue to grow. Working on any "name-brand" deals would be minimal.
And yes, the offer in FAS is with HL.
would take the M&A offer. You won't be going to a KKR/Carlyle Group, but if you do good work, lateral opportunities/lower MM PE funds should be feasible as long as your senior guys aren't scrubs.
You definitely answered your own question.
That's what I'm leaning towards, but wanted to get some advice from people who have worked in the industry. From my perspective, it wouldn't be too hard to work in the FAS role for a year or two, and then transition into a similar boutique banking position. It would add the experience of working with very large deals that boutique banking would not. It also means one or two more years of not working in the role that I want, potentially delaying my ultimate career goals.
Thank you for the advice everyone, I think the decision is made.
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