Full-Time: Big 4 Advisory vs. MM IB Analyst vs. BB Operations

Hi Everyone,

I'm exploring several full-time opportunities at the moment. I would like to get everyone's opinion about which opportunity would provide the best experience for an entry-level employee.

1) Big 4 Advisory: Very broad exposure to valuations, finance, accounting and regulatory compliance. Typical Big 4 base salary/ hours.

2) MM IB Analyst: The opportunity to be a part of a lean deal team with decent deal flow as well as a broad exposure to IPOs, M&As etc. Typical IB hours/salary.

3) BB Operations Analyst (GS, MS, JPM): Typical Operations job functions, hours and salary. (I can guarantee that someone will have something to say about BB Operations being back-office).

I am not a prestige whore by any means. I am looking for an entry-level position where I can gain a valuable skill set and experience both personal and professional growth. I am the type of person that would be more comfortable remaining loyal to the company for a long period of time and moving up the corporate ladder.

I would appreciate your honest opinions.

 

First off, congrats on all the offers.

I'd take the MM IB offer if I were you. Take it quickly and don't look back.

World Banker:
(I can guarantee that someone will have something to say about BB Operations being back-office).

That's because it is. Coming off a MO SA, I warn you to stay away.

 

MM IB. Better salary and better learning opportunities. People that want to transition into banking from Big 4 after a year or two often aim to get into MM IB, so why not just start there first.

Big 4 have a good name for say an MBA, but if you're looking for learning opps it's better with a lean shop. And with a MM IB, there's likely less in the way of office politics and greater emphasis on meritocracy being the driver for promotions and long-term trajectory within the firm.

 

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