Big 4 TAS ---> B School ---> IB?

Hey guys, long story short:

I have a good friend working at one of the Big 4 who is willing to refer me if there are any positions open. I've missed the boat when it comes to investment banking as an analyst (Already out of college for a year, no internships) so I wanted to get any advice on trying to go for a BIG 4 TAS position as a starting point.

My current position isn't helping tell an interesting story for when the time comes (I'm a financial analyst working in government administration desperately wanting to get OUT of government work and into the private sector)

Also, if there are, or have been, any BIG 4 TAS people out there could you give me any advice on what position to shoot for? I looked at the career website, and it looks like "experienced" positions they are all either senior or management level, is there anything like that for a junior level guy like me?

Thanks!

 

The big 4 TAS position you'd be looking at would be "associate." If you have a referral and there is a need, you should have a decent shot. Regarding the rest of your post, TAS --> MBA --> IB is definitely doable, in fact one of my former colleagues at a big 4 just did this, but if you're only a year out of school, it's not too late to for an analyst role.

You could go to big 4 for a year, then apply to banks as an analyst w/ 2 years of experience. Many boutique banks actually require their analysts to have some relevant experience (such as big 4 TAS), as they don't have robust training programs.

Hey, how's your art career going?
 
Best Response

Hey bud - My recommendation (as a current Big 4 TAS senior associate interviewing at a BB - should hear back tomorrow) is look into Financial Due Diligence. It's the best way to get deal experience and have some sort of leg-up on other potential analysts that are trying to get in that have no experience. Definitely don't rely on what the external facing career site says as that typically does not reflect all open positions, at least not in my experience. I would see if your friend can help you get into a role in FDD and try to stick it out for a year or so (try to make senior associate and stick for at least a year as a senior). I started in audit at a big4, moved to FDD, and am hopefully now on my way to a BB so it is definitely possible. Good luck.

Big 4 Audit > Big 4 TS (FDD) > ???
 

Eveniet nisi qui doloribus eaque officiis suscipit. Enim enim repellendus occaecati aut doloribus et id est. Iste totam fugit minus nulla. Cumque explicabo itaque totam iure dolorem velit.

Quidem dolorem qui velit est. Aut non voluptate minus quasi cupiditate. Reiciendis corrupti molestias aut cupiditate repudiandae in nesciunt.

Dolores et minus occaecati ut exercitationem est nam. Delectus facere voluptatem pariatur magni. Sunt aperiam voluptas quo inventore ut autem. Recusandae ab enim dolor magnam dolor et. Esse et occaecati harum sunt velit ducimus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”