Best position to exit mbb: Analyst or associate?

Question

Hello friends

Im currently a 1 year Analyst at mbb, I predominantl did banking but have an engineering background.

My career goal is to relocate to Europe (currently in middle east). I don't really know what type of exit I like but I'm fixated on europe.

I wanted to get your thoughts on how to do so- kindly note that transferring within the firm is currently not an option. I have three options (feel free to add others)

1. Exit at the 2-3 year BA mark, trying to get a “promoted exit”: nothing too fancy but 2-5 levels above undergrad

2. Wait for sponsored MBA, do it, pay back the 2 years (or not if amazing opportunity found) then exit

3. Wait for post mba promotion, and exit (meaning don't do the mba just get promoted and exit- which is possible in my location for those wondering)

I'm unsure about the pros and cons of each and about the exit opportunities of each, what do you think?

Answer 1

Hi Sherif,

Q: I'm unsure about the pros and cons of each and about the exit opportunities of each, what do you think?

The best moment to exit really depends on the exit you want. As an example, the usual good moment to exit for the following option is:

Founder: basically anytime (you got the brand name to use for fundraising, which is the important thing)
PE: Associate/Consultant level (sometimes analyst can work, but more difficult). Being hired as a Manager is usually more difficult in PE
Corporate world: Manager level. Compared to an Associate, you can show experience related to leading teams. Being hired as Principal is usually more difficult (you become too expensive)

On the other hand, if you like consulting, there is no reason to exit consulting just to move to Europe. If your current company doesn’t allow for transfers, you could move to a different consulting company and stick to it until you have a clear exit idea.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi Sherif,

I'd probably add the following, which is less focused on time and more focused on how. Nothing you've said in the above is really about how to move to Europe:

1) Get an offer from another firm in Europe

2) Get an offer from another firm in Middle East…that allows transfers later

3) Do your MBA on your own

In order to get to Europe make sure you network extensively! Also consider doing the MBA in Europe.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi there,

My thoughts on this:

It's good to have a plan but keep an open mind. Some people leave MBB after one year to pursue amazing opportunities, others leave after 5 years into somewhat mediocre roles. Keep your eyes open for opportunities in Europe and start networking.
Don't go for an MBA if you are transitioning out of consulting. I think that would be a huge waste of time and resources.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 4

Hi Sherif,

It really depends on what you want to do. Ideally the best exits would be after your first promotion to associate.

However, if your key goal is to move to Europe regardless of role and industry, in that case I would do the following

Start applying for roles and see what sticks
Push for a top tier European MBA (even if you dont return it is a 1 or 2 year interest free loan)
Push for a European transfer with your firm
If they do not agree, recruit for roles outside in the geography you like

Answer 5

Exits as an analyst are a bad choice since you don't get the real benefits of consulting fast-track.

Ideally, getting an MBA from a top school and then going back as an associate for two years, seems to me the best option.

Answer 6

Hi,

You need to first determine your desired industry/position and location. Your exit path is contingent on your ambition post-MBB (e.g., IB in London requires 95% of time MBA, PE associate role requires 3-5y experience + DD experience)

Hopefully this helps.
Jorn