Request to join SEO after offer from BB? Worth it?

Accepted an offer to work in regional office of BB. Is it worth it to ask HR to request SEO to let me participate in the program?

Pros
1) Extensive training
2) Outstanding networking opportunities
3) Chance to listen/learn from top business leaders

Cons
1) Stigma of being labeled SEO intern

Is the supposed "stigma" of being an SEO intern really that bad? I'm not sure how people would even know you're in SEO. If you keep it to yourself, they'll just assume you're just another intern right?

 

From what I hear, SEO is a great program, and you should not let some silly stigma (i.e., jealousy) deter you from furthering your career.

To answer your latter question, though, there will be days when you have to leave work early for SEO events, so other people might figure out that you're an SEO intern without you explicitly telling them.

 

It is my understanding that SEO would not let you participate in their program. I don't think you can just show up and say I want to participate, as they have their own selection process. Contrary to what you might hear/the bad experiences some people have had with some SEO interns, SEO is pretty stringent about who they accept. When I did my internship at a BB I worked with an intern who had been rejected from SEO but hired directly by my group.

 

What about if I'm trying to transfer to NY? It seems like SEO provides a great network to help me set up interviews for the Big Apple.

Regional SA's are hired full-time as regional bankers so it's hard to transfer w/o some kind of push from higher-ups.

 
Kaba Modern:
What about if I'm trying to transfer to NY? It seems like SEO provides a great network to help me set up interviews for the Big Apple.

Regional SA's are hired full-time as regional bankers so it's hard to transfer w/o some kind of push from higher-ups.

While this is somewhat true, its hard to go from SF, Houston, Chicago, LA, Dallas, etc to NY. While NY is great, your money goes much further in a regional city... you get paid the exact same (all the BB's)!

Think about why SEO was created in the first place, then think if you wana be part of the non-meritocracy nature of the program

 
Best Response
MoneyKingdom:
Kaba Modern:
What about if I'm trying to transfer to NY? It seems like SEO provides a great network to help me set up interviews for the Big Apple.

Regional SA's are hired full-time as regional bankers so it's hard to transfer w/o some kind of push from higher-ups.

While this is somewhat true, its hard to go from SF, Houston, Chicago, LA, Dallas, etc to NY. While NY is great, your money goes much further in a regional city... you get paid the exact same (all the BB's)!

Think about why SEO was created in the first place, then think if you wana be part of the non-meritocracy nature of the program

Yes, your money goes further in Chicago etc. But if you think long term, NY is better. PE recruiting from satellite offices is a pain. NY is where most of the actions is. You can always leave your office for a bit to interview and come back. It also depends on what your long-term goals are. If you are looking to stay in banking/PE, NY has several benefits. What I said holds true for Chicago, but if you are doing tech banking in SF, I would not look to transfer to NY. Your industry knowledge will be useful down the road (PE/VC in SF).

 

Iusto praesentium impedit error culpa itaque. Quo quas vero nesciunt doloremque neque sequi. Temporibus facere omnis nihil rem a. Tempora vitae voluptatem molestiae quidem. Doloremque nihil beatae repellat eum illo quod numquam. Magni temporibus voluptatem voluptatem voluptatem libero accusantium. Nostrum sunt repellat quisquam vero aut dignissimos.

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 (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”