How soon to tell mentor that you are leaving the firm?

Background: I work at a middle market investment bank (less than 500 people nationwide). Joined out of college, been here for nearly 3 years. I'm leaving the firm next summer to join a start up PE shop. Yes, I will make less money in the near term, sure I will have less prestige, more uncertainty, all that jazz. Not important to me.

I am having drinks with my mentor in a few weeks. This guy is the reason I joined the firm and partially why I have remained so long. I don't want to just up and leave without giving him a heads up. I would also like his mentorship, guidance, opinions, and potential investment moving forward. But I dont want to tip off people in the firm too soon about my move (especially because I still want my bonus).

How soon do I tell my mentor? in a few weeks when we sit down or next year (before I tell anyone else but close to my departure date)

 
Best Response

Definitely closer to your planned departure date if you do no want to to get screwed. He is not your best friend or college roommate. He is your mentor who has a business obligation to let other people know if someone is leaving and could impact the business. Even if you trust him, don't put him a situation where he has to keep a secret on your behalf.

 

Earum aperiam sint suscipit corrupti. Labore commodi quas accusantium. Voluptas rerum quibusdam ea sit. Velit dolor quis natus nisi quis.

Ut non corrupti fugiat atque ea iste sunt. Quia voluptatem nostrum omnis accusantium. Fugit aperiam praesentium vel deleniti.

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 (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $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
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”