FT Job Hunt - Need your advice

Hey all,
I am in an awkward position and could really use your advice. Here is my situation.

A couple of years ago, I interned at a bulge bracket ABC in their back office for cash equities. The trading team, particularly the MD, took a liking to me. Since then, we have regularly gone for coffees and lunches. I like the team and I always saw myself going into S&T for FT (so did the MD). I was suppose to intern on the desk this past summer but there was a significant downsizing across the firm so I took a summer internship at another bulge bracket in research. Currently. there are still some uncertainty regarding headcount, so they are waiting for bonus season and a VP is busting his balls to get me a job.

This past summer, while applying to FT jobs, I saw a posting for equity research associate at bulge bracket XYZ. XYZ lost a few people and work is piling up; they are in need of someone ASAP. I contacted an ex-ABC trader now working at XYZ and asked to be referred to the analyst.

So here is my pickle:
- I really like ABC, its people, and don't want to damage the relationship (I dont want to make the MD feel like I've been leading him on). However, I don't feel that the cash equities business will do well going forward. Job security and transferable skills are lacking.
- Then there's the equity research position, IMO, will provide me with more transferable skills. I enjoy the deep dive of ER. I also have to save face for the ex-ABC trader who referred me.

WSO, what do you think would be the best course of action? Which job should I take and how do I turn down the other party without making things awkward/people feeling betrayed/damaging the relationship?

 

The Cash Equities group has not given you an offer. You have every right to look elsewhere and prepare for the worst, no offer. They will understand.

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 

If this guy or team will feel slighted by you for choosing the career in your best interest, then whatever. At the end of the day, this is business. You can't let emotions play in your career decision. Do what's best for you, as no doubt anyone else (including the MD and bank ABC) would do what was in their best interests, even if that's not hiring you.

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use.
 

Vel quidem ea iste dolorum praesentium. Ad et laudantium maxime esse. Recusandae consequatur sequi maiores iure. Et quaerat labore corporis ad. In facere quis sint aspernatur. Quis sed delectus saepe qui ducimus occaecati.

Sed architecto molestias iusto laborum consequatur. Qui exercitationem fuga inventore exercitationem temporibus quia nam. Error molestias at quia dicta ipsam repudiandae iste. Dolor et non dolores aut consequatur sint. Ducimus non natus rerum tenetur amet.

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”

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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
98.8
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...”