TAS to IBD, what are the odds?

Odds of breaking into IB from TAS (Transaction Advisory Service), specifically as a Valuation & Modeling Analyst, say, from a firm just outside of the Big 4 Accounting firms? If you have successfully made the switch, share your story.


Note: Ik there's forum for this already, but it's a bit dated

 

Bump recently got offered a Valuations internship at Big 4, wondering if a lateral to IB full time is possible?

 

I was an intern in the TAS group of a Big 4 firm for my sophomore summer, and doing IB for SA 21. From my understanding, it is very possible to make the switch (usually in an analyst role). Additionally, Ive have seen some people go straight to the PE arm of large pensions or even MM PE.   

 

Ah, my bad, I read the above comment and assumed you were also asking about the Big 4. Nevertheless, my guess it would be slightly more difficult to make the switch with less of a brand-name -- but networking goes a long way....

 

I would say that if you are at a Grant Thornton/BDO your chances are probably similar to that of KPMG. Deloitte and PwC (maybe EY) are just in a different league. I know several people who've gone from Big 4 Transactions unit (not M&A nor Valuations), to join banking teams at Barclays, Nomura, JPM, and Private Credit shops and asset managers. This is only in the past year.

 

Oh, that's comforting to hear. I interviewed with GT last Friday. I thought the interview was pretty chill, just behavioral questions, which was quite surprising considering it was for Valuation and Modeling position.

 

I was a TAS senior at one of the big 4 firms, and recently transferred to a top IB as an analyst. I was in the financial due diligence group, so did not even have any modeling experience (although I did practice modelling and valuation extensively prior to making the move to IB).

I actually began my career in audit right out of undergrad. I then quickly transferred to TAS, and here I am now in IB. In total, the transition from audit to TAS to IB took approximately 2.5 years out of undergrad.

I have read a lot on WSO about the transition from Audit to IB, and using TAS as a stepping stone. Now that I have gone through the process, I can tell you that the move is doable but not easy.

Feel free to PM me or ask any questions here if you want.

 
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