Relocation Packages

I am planning on relocating to San Francisco from NY in a little over a month and am in the process of discussing my relocation package.

Can anyone provide some insight into industry norms with regards to what to expect? I have heard that something around $10k and a month in corp housing is fairly common. Also wondering what I can request given that my disposable income will most likely decrease with the move due to higher living (rent/food) expenses.

 

i don't actually know what the norm is, but if my relocation package was anything less than 10k and housing stipend, i would just refuse or quit

I'm not concerned with the very poor -Mitt Romney
 

I'm interested to hear whether the relocation package is typically rolled into the sign on or can you get a separate amount? Doesn't seem right to call it a sign on bonus when half or more is spent relocating.

"We're not lawyers, we're investment bankers. We call you for the paperwork. We didn't go to Harvard, we went to Wharton, and we saw you coming a mile away."
 
Best Response

Completely depends. For a large firm figure out what the HR policy is. Most common is a lump sum that may be part of or in addition to your sign-on, if it's part of the sign-on, reassess if you want to ask for a bigger sign-on. Relocation reimbursement (i.e. save your movers and IKEA receipts) is also a possibility. If there is no relocation at all, see if you can get it because you are going cross-country, especially if timing imposes big cost (i.e. breaking a lease).

For a second job at anything but an IB or a fund, $5-10k relocation + $10k signing seems reasonable.

 

I worked at a relocation company and relo bonuses are much less common than detailed policies. Often you get both. Policy is almost always worth more than $20K

heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 

It really depends on your company but F500 companies do offer a nice package. I'm at a F100 firm and was offered $14K to move from LA to SF. I woul'dve received close to $18K I believe had I been further away like NY

 

Yeah, basically two cash lump sum deposits a year because we move cities every 6 months.

Remember the random costs that are associated with moving to a new city like: apartment application and deposit...pet deposit, moving company costs, parking, etc.

 

I don't think staying at a Westin or a direct flight would be unreasonable. Plus even if it's more than they intended on you spending they may just stick you with the difference instead of not paying at all. If your that worried about it you might want to call her back once you know what you plan on booking and see if all of it is "within reason."

#1: "Have you seen ______'s analyst. She's only about 3 weeks of anorexia away from looking hot." #2: "Maybe 4." -GSElevator
 
dirs10:
I don't think staying at a Westin or a direct flight would be unreasonable. Plus even if it's more than they intended on you spending they may just stick you with the difference instead of not paying at all. If your that worried about it you might want to call her back once you know what you plan on booking and see if all of it is "within reason."

yup that's what i did, i sent over the draft itinerary to the manager to run it by her, but no response yet. And her initial response was like "well if those prices are the norm then go ahead and book it!" So I guess I'm all good? Just don't wanna blow $1k on an apartment search trip that I don't even really need if I won't be paid back, namsayin?

 

you definitely still get it

"Major in economics; use your economics degree to get an analyst job on Wall Street; use your analyst job to get into Harvard or Stanford Business School; and worry about the rest of your life later"
 

Definitely not. The "Signing Bonus" is always stipulated as the relocation payment, so you have to pay for everything you need out of your own (slightly fatter) pocket. If you want to save some cash, find a roommate who'll be working for BCG - they pay broker's fees.

 

At first glance it seems that they will be giving you 5K for relocation, which means you will pay for everything and then they will reimburse you. I would imagine you could make a case why they should pay up to 10k, but you will have to have 10k of moving expenses, as in they will not be giving you 10K so it wont be taxed. I would ask first if it is lump-sum or reimbursement but it sounds more like reimbursement.

 

Provided it is a reputable firm and they want you to come work form them, they are very likely to do so.

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 

Some firms just set up the relo through their HR department. Will move all your belongings, whip and give you some cash. Others give you the necessary amount to do so.

This to all my hatin' folks seeing me getting guac right now..
 
Anacott_CEO:
Thanks for the responses. How likely is it to negotiate for some relocation assistance if they don't plan on providing any in the offer?

I don't think there is any distinction between this and your original question. If it's a reputable firm that wants you to work there, it shouldn't be an issue.

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 

I'm pretty sure all banks do some sort of kicker for returning summers. At least, I hope so =)

It wouldn't make sense not to, actually, because it's not ridiculously hard to take an offer in hand, go out and build out for another one or two, and then try to leverage one bank off another for a tiny bit higher pay. Granted, they don't need to pander to you much, but you can usually squeeze an extra few basis points out of the model that way.

 

Charlotte, NC: up-and-coming city (but already big with major corporations around), decent housing prices, decent weather, low CoL. UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke are both a 2 hr drive, so probably wouldn't make sense for a PT MBA, but an EMBA might make it worthwhile.

Austin, TX: same as above, but replace UNC-Chapel Hill with UT-Austin and 2-hour drive with right the fuck there.

Shot ya a PM

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 
D M:

Charlotte, NC: up-and-coming city (but already big with major corporations around), decent housing prices, decent weather, low CoL. UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke are both a 2 hr drive, so probably wouldn't make sense for a PT MBA, but an EMBA might make it worthwhile.

Austin, TX: same as above, but replace UNC-Chapel Hill with UT-Austin and 2-hour drive with right the fuck there.

Shot ya a PM

I agree with both of these. If you haven't lived in Texas during the summer though you may want to rethink Austin.

 

I hope your post was inquiring where we are relocating to and not where you should relocate to.

I'm moving to the metro detroit area. b is 90% of the reason. Mine and my fiance's family is there. d is 10% of the reason. Michigan is awesome for outdoor stuff and it's way cheaper to do everything there vs nyc. I'll be able to race cars again.

A and C are reasons I don't want to move as there isn't much in the job market and schools aren't that great other than Ross.

I'm hoping that I'll either have an internship or full time job when I make the move through some networking I'm doing now.

make it hard to spot the general by working like a soldier
 

I mean, UMich is a pretty damn good reason to move there... if you're looking for top programs, Ross is a damn good place to be.

Also, the weather sucks in the winter.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

How is Zurich/Geneva not on this list. As banged up as the swiss banks are right now, there is substantial institutional money run there and lifestyle is incredible. Expensive though and you'll probably need to pick up a bit of French/German, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Also Hong Kong.

Being an expat in Seoul is hard. Like worse than 70s Japan.

 

Econ,

In a way I am trying to "break" into the finance, to be more specific a trader (specialize in FOREX). Right now I am hedging my future, I have a bright and promising future in the Clinical Psychology industry and I am turning out to be a very successful FOREX trader (which is a lot of fun).

As I told someone recently "Its one thing to trade from home (your own account) buts its another thing to be in a structure environment trading for a bigger entity then yourself". This is something that I am very interested in, which I have been making small progress each day. Everyone I talk to about this subject matter only laugh and tell me that I need to get "serious". This is why other people's opinions don't matter nor why should they?

I am not worried about finding a job or acing an interview, this is where my knowledge/experience in Clinical Psychology helps me tremendously. My only worry is finding a place to live. Before you mention to "save" money by trading, that option is not available to me at this moment in time.

-Ucoa

PS - Your question was not that random, at all!

 

Where can I get me one of these "clinical psychologists"? Sounds like an interesting specimen.

So wonderful, it's spectacular. You, the 'psychologist' just stares at these three cities and the answer does not yet come, or even better, present itself at said moment ?

...trolls don't major in psychology. They don't trade the FOREX either, they are on the sell side for commodities. Get your act straight.

 

WSO Community,

karypto,

Your response is quite humorous and brought a smile to my face in the delight that USD/JPY battling out over the 82.00 support level. I assure you that I do not know the EFFICIENT way to handle this situation in which you make the assumption I do nor do I trade commodities (not yet). I always find it fascinating people claiming they are strong Bull or Strong Bears all their lives... but what can I say, they are living their own life?

Thank you for your response!

-Ucoa

 

WSO Community,

downtown22,

If I had to rephrase the question it might sound something like this: "How do you relocate to a job that is not in your area (far away, maybe another state)?"

Is this something you tell the employer? "Excuse me, I live in CA but your based out in TX"

What about the interview? "Hello Ucoa, we would like to invite you to a interview" "Thanks, oh by the way, I live in Main and the interview is in Virgina" (In reality they would see your address on your resume/application)

Do you save up money then move then look for a job?

so much you can do...

-Ucoa

 

I've only really had experience with the bigger banks, so I don't know if this is how it's done everywhere: The firm will most likely pay for your interview expenses, so they will pay for your flight, hotel, cabs, food, etc... (they will either book your hotel/flight directly, or will reimburse you after your interview). As far as relocating to another city, they should give you some sort of relocation or signing bonus that will help you move (e.g. 1st year analysts typically get a $10k signing bonus). Again, I only know how it's done at the larger banks... it may be different at other places.

 

Laudantium autem voluptate et aspernatur inventore. Et consectetur placeat deleniti et sed labore voluptatem. Sint doloribus qui tempora nam cumque et totam beatae.

 

Voluptate libero qui sed nemo nemo voluptatem. Est consequatur minima qui rerum blanditiis quo. Aut et tenetur ad et et sit laborum. Pariatur et fuga id corporis voluptatum ipsa illo. Qui aut ipsam beatae doloremque.

Magnam laudantium dolorem eaque dolorum aut et. Eaque voluptatem praesentium iure natus est.

Magni eos ut ea ut voluptatem. Eius et officiis dolorem ipsam fuga commodi ut.

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 (13) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”