IB to IFC

I am currently a second year associate in a bulge bracket investment bank. While work is interesting, the job profile comprises essentially of extensive excel / powerpoint work with minimal client interaction. I was recently made an offer by IFC for a position (associate investment officer) in their HK office. The pay sucks (when compared to my current job) and I have been warned of how bureaucratic the organization is when it comes to making investment decisions. However in my opinion, the “origination” content of the job, better working hours, job security and networking opportunities are the pros of taking up the offer. I am looking at a 4-5 year horizon and see myself returning back to investment banking at a much senior level.

Need clarity / guidance on the following – 1) Is my take on IFC right or am I missing out o something? 2) How is a longish stint in IFC perceived in the job market? 3) I am essentially trying to fast track my transition from a excel work horse to a client facing RM. Is this the right strategy to adopt or am I missing out on something?

7 Comments
 

Arrow -

Can you give me some info on the IFC recruitment and interview process as well as the different types groups they have, projects you would work on and compensation. After 4 years in banking and private equity I'm currently in the peace corps doing small business development and am interested in trying to work for the IFC after. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

hey man, switching from investment banking into the IFC is not uncommon at all. I know plenty of people who have made that switch and they are actually very happy there. The IFC is a very well-regarded institution, as it is a World Bank arm and if you are interested in long-term development-oriented leadership and finance, this is a great opportunity. Besides, they have a lot of international offices and you will have options of internal mobility between branches. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you know that you can see the big picture of where your career is taking you. If you cannot, you know that you are not in the right trajectory. Good luck!

 

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Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.

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