BB C&IB vs F50 PM

Which would be a better starting career out of college? I’m debating the two, C&IB at a BB pays more out of college but the only really legit exit opp is IB. This product management role at a F50 fin-tech company (think Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc) pays $85k-$97k all-in starting with 35-40 hours/week, and exit opp could be a FAANG PM role or something in corporate VC like Citi Ventures since I may also get to work in the F50 company’s startup accelerator department. The pay at BB C&IB tho could potentially be $125k, which is quite a bit more than $85k thought longer hours, but I don’t really care that much about the longer hours. Which would be a better place to start my career? Thanks!

 

At the end of the day, it really comes down to your preference. Do you enjoy tech or do you enjoy finance more? Do you want to exit into FAANG or do you want to exit into financial services? Do you value a higher salary now in exchange for more working hours or would you rather work less? Are you a fan of a formal, corporate environment or a more relaxed, easy-going culture? Answer these questions before you make a decision. Also, once you begin working, you'll definitely care about your work-life balance.  

Personally, I'd say go with the BB C&IB offer because (I'm assuming you're in corporate) you'll generally be doing interesting work dealing with underwriting, financial modeling, and getting to really understand an industry (depending if you're product or coverage). Working as a left-lead runner for an upcoming M&A/LBO deal is pretty exciting and depending on the bank and group, can give you a good amount of exposure that is somewhat similar to the IB side. Additionally, you can blend both interests of finance and tech by being a TMT analyst. Exit wise, if you're interested in IB, it's usually not too hard to internally transfer from C to IB in the same coverage sector as an associate promote. Additionally, Corp Dev (possible, but rare) is also a good option along with different Mezzanine funds, DCM, and sometimes (rare as well) the Credit side of a PE firm. And if you don't want to do finance anymore, just go back to B School, as doing CIB at a BB will definitely be a good career starter. 

Good luck with your decision and I'm sure you'll do great in either role. 

 

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