Exit Opps -- Do These Dictate Which Job You Take?

I've frequently read people discussing on this site "exit opps" when considering which job to take... but how important is this factor?

In other words, do some people take a job that is maybe less desirable, or that they're less excited about, simply because that job provides them with better exit opps on their way out the door? On the one hand, it seems strange to weigh this too heavily before you even start the job, but I realize you should consider this... but how much?

 

It's kind of like dating. If a hot girl is into you in college, but you don't like her and she's annoying, you should still date her for a few weeks/months. First of all, you could meet all of her hot friends (networking with the right people, getting your name out there, building up your contact list), get your own reputation up (just as women will find you more desirable if you dated a hot girl and guys will want to be you, companies will value you more because you have more experience and it will make you more competitive in the application process), and your confidence will boost immensely (if you could handle a really annoying girlfriend and actually land someone that hot, that's comparable to being able to handle a grueling work environment but being able to power through. It'll make you more confident in your future endeavors). Get the idea?

 

Yeah, but if hot girl trashes you to her hot friends, you ain't gonna get a crack at hot friends.

And that's sort of my concern: if you take a job primarily because it has good exit opps but you don't think it's a great fit for you, maybe you're less likely to do a great job, which means you'll be less likely to get a great recommendation when it comes time for that exit opp.

 
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I’ve noticed that you’ve indicated that you’re okay working moderate amount of time in return for sacrificing pay — that making only 70-100k a year would be okay with you (and I’m assuming u mean you’re okay making this amount not just starting out, but on a permanent basis). Trust me, once u get out into real world, you will not be okay with only making 70 k a year.

 
MichaelScarn:
In other words, do some people take a job that is maybe less desirable, or that they're less excited about, simply because that job provides them with better exit opps on their way out the door?

I can think of no other reason to take a job as a present-day investment banking analyst.

"Son, life is hard. But it's harder if you're stupid." - my dad
 

Consider the fact that you just named multiple individual cases. You can't get an accurate picture by comparing 50 people with completely unique backgrounds. However if you believe that you have found a common denominator of previous work experience in the industry you want to get into then follow that thread. If you don't want IB then don't do it.

“The only thing I know is that I know nothing, and i am no quite sure that i know that.” Socrates
 

typically analysts do 2 to 3 years in banking and go off to do something else say Private Equity (PE) or Hedge Funds. This next step after the analyst program is the exit opp being talked about and your 2/3 years in banking can sometimes have a huge impact on what exit opps will be avaiable to you.

Note: some ppl leave banking after 1 year for exit opps... for reasons ranging to not liking their group, getting a better pay, etc....

 

Some never do. Others often get there MBA when they can get excepted to a top program, which is typically after 4-6 years of experience, therefore post analyst work is often a necessity.

 

Hahahaha amazing picture.

I'd say they're comparable across all the big ones.

[quote]The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.[/quote]
 

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