Pls help: M&A or McK CF for getting in IBD?

Currently working in a M&A house (not ibank) as Associate and got an offer for McK CF Associate. Since I'm looking to move to BB/2nd tier IBD Associate and wondering which path will give me a higher chance. (p.s. I don't have an MBA but 2-3 years of M&A experience).

Does anyone know whether there's successful cases which ppl from McK CF moved to BB/2nd tier IBD? (I only found there's many ex-IBD analysts moved to McK CF but not sure the other way round)

Also do they actually execute transactions (handling the negotiation and regulation stuffs) or only perform the management / strategy consulting things related to CF? and how's the working hours like in the team?

Heard the up/out policy is quite tough, any idea of how risky of being laid off? (I assume everyone in McK are smart which means the competition is very keen right?)

Thanks a lot in advance for the advices as I need to make up my mind soon. Thanks!

 

Thanks. But BB usually only hire from other BB/top 2tier banks...i'm afraid very hard to get in from my current position, esp for Associate level.

Also I thought the due diligence things are usually done by the generalist...so why CF hires so many ex-bankers who were more focused in deal execution? (coz usually the dd is outsourced to professional firms i.e MBB/ Big4/ Legal firms)

In term of working hours, what's the typical no. of hr per day?

Thanks a lot!

 

Take the CF, there are some due diligence involved, but main focus is on value-added / strategy (unless you prefer DD work). That said, you are obviously going to need IB technicals. Also, from Associates and up it's more about soft skills as opposed to monkeying around with technicals. Consulting will give you better exposure to dealing with clients and managing team situations. Not sure about CF > BB (I'd imagine it's more than possible), but certain about CF > top PE placements. Besides, you can network with the lax hours, which will trump any background.

My $0.02.

 
Best Response

From visiting some top B-schools, it seems pretty clear that MBB firms are more respected, and to an extent more coveted than most BB's.

Also, I would even argue that GS/MS recruiting is in a sense, easier than MBB. The reason why is the technicals for banking industry-wide are pretty easily picked up. It's more a matter of memorizing Vault, M&I, and the various guides out there. A big part of the interview, even from GS/MS/JPM is still the "fit".

On the other hand... you can not "fit" is a necessary, but definitely not sufficient condition for landing an MBB offer. The case studies are insane...

 

Thanks all for the valuable advices.

I agreed that the case studies were tough but its something you could prepare for, for BB Associate, they really concern your actual "relevant" working experience (i.e. closure of any mega deals). McK concerns more on your personality/ analytical thinking, may be that's the reason why I got an offer from them but not BB.

Anyone know the working hour? I heard it's tougher than other teams. Also how difficult to survive there, will it be more competitive than BB?

 

Et ad reprehenderit neque expedita voluptatem sapiente quaerat. Laudantium consectetur qui laboriosam ullam iusto quas enim. Aut adipisci adipisci nesciunt fuga dolor distinctio quae.

Hic rerum dolorem ipsa et libero consequuntur. Qui reprehenderit reprehenderit neque delectus. Et harum consequatur ut quia rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 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

March 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

March 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 (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
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...”