Transfer to Big 4 FDD from Audit or Wait for Botique/MM IB Offer

All-

I was hoping to get some advice from the board on my current career situation. I've been working in Big 4 audit for 2.5 years, early promoted to Sr. Associate after a year and a half and have spent the past year networking and interviewing for investment banking analyst roles. I've had moderate success with obtaining interviews, but haven't been able to ultimately secure a position. I have two firms who turned me down back in the fall, but maintain regular contact for future analyst needs which I expect to open up later this year. Based on ongoing discussions, I'm pretty confident one will extend an offer by year-end.

In lieu of my frustration with audit and not being able to secure an IB position, I decided I might as well make an internal transfer in the meantime to develop more useful skills than ticking and tieing. The process took a surprisingly short amount of time and received an offer to transfer internally to our TS FDD practice starting in August.

Just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were on making this internal transfer. Obviously, i need to look out for myself, but also don't want to set myself up for a 2 month stint after transferring and create bad blood with the firm by leaving for an IB position shortly after.

Appreciate the advice.

 

I agree with the above. You never know how long it will take to get the IB offer, so you may as well switch to something that gives you more relevant experience in the meanwhile.

Hey, how's your art career going?
 

Agreed with both. Do the transfer, and if you get IB, go for it.

You have a good attitude but ultimately you should prioritize your career over any potential burnt bridges, I can't imagine your supervisor would actually blame you if you got that sort of opportunity.

 

Hi Cthusky - I am also trying to transfer from Audit to FDD within one of the big 4 firms I work at. I have my case study interview coming soon, could you kindly explain me the details of the case study process and any guidance regarding how to prepare for this?

Thank you so much.

 
Most Helpful

Fugit sed eveniet nulla dolores amet id in. Molestias nemo doloribus ad dolore consequatur dolore repudiandae dolor. Ad quo ut aut facere.

Voluptas quisquam sit qui aliquam dolores. Perspiciatis tempora qui laborum. Voluptatem quia laudantium non autem nihil magnam facere.

Voluptates laboriosam sed nobis dolores dolor similique corrupti. Facilis quia ut pariatur soluta est. Et dolores distinctio perferendis est minima perferendis fugiat animi. Quos nesciunt totam non minima alias eius.

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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”