M&A Advisory at Big 4 (need urgent response before offer deadline!)

Recently got offered an associate role at a Big 4 firm for M&A Advisory. This is in a relatively stable middle eastern country. They would start me at Associate 2 and fast track to Manager in 1,5 years which is a pretty good deal. Manager is akin to a VP in this group. I would be 27 by the time I'm an M&A manager so I guess it is somewhat impressive? Another very important thing to consider, the M&A role is unlike what big 4 does in the US which is due diligence and integration consulting. It is pretty much traditional investment banking. Because big 4 has a big footprint in this country and they were here first, they decided to directly compete with investment banks and are successful so far by deal volume.  


My background: US grad, worked in US 2.5 years for a mid-size corporation doing M&A and Corp Fin in general. Had to leave and go back to home country for personal reasons. Every interviewer in home country were impressed by my exposure and I can say the doors are wide open.


My question is: What kind of exit opps will I have? My plan is to get promotion, work manager for a year, come back to the US for a T10 MBA, and pursue either PE or Corp dev. But not sure how well this "M&A manager in another country, and although it is big 4 it was basically investment banking" narrative will translate. 

I hear horror stories about how US big 4 Pidgeon-holes you to accounting after Manager level. The FP&A and accounting is by far the LEAST favorite part of my job so that would be a nightmare. 


I appreciate your input.


 

You should be fine. Big 4 is more prestigious outside of the US than in the US. Also, your resume will have your responsibilities and achievements which will clearly show you were in the Investment Banking group.

I’m not sure what exits are like to PE, but I would imagine Corp dev and b school

are very obtainable. (You’ll just want to put together a cohesive story for why you did what you did for b school).

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

You should be fine. Big 4 is more prestigious outside of the US than in the US. Also, your resume will have your responsibilities and achievements which will clearly show you were in the Investment Banking group.

I’m not sure what exits are like to PE, but I would imagine Corp dev and b school

are very obtainable. (You’ll just want to put together a cohesive story for why you did what you did for b school).

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

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"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers

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