From consulting to IB (M&A)

Question

Dear community,

There seems to be a lot of information on junior bankers thinking about moving to IB, but not the other way around. It seems the former is far more common than the latter.

I'm new to management consulting, but to be honest accepted the job after failing to break into IB roles. My hope is to work for say 1-2-3 years in my designated job and then try to move to either IB or even PE (I understand this is unlikely, just sharing my number one priority). So, I was hoping to hear other people's thoughts on it. I'm joining a T2 firm, focused on financial services and will definitely try to work on DD projects as much as I can. Other than that, MBA is not an option for me as I'm relatively old, and a graduate students as it is. I don't have, nor expect to have the LBO/modelling experience IB analysts have, but can definitely demonstrate passion and interest in finance.

Would love to hear the community's 2 cents on the matter.

Answer 1

Hi there,

I'll be honest and say it's not great but please don't hear that as impossible.

I've honestly seen pretty much everything happen at this point. If you work hard, plan things out, be deliberate in your actions, and network network network you can honestly pull off most things.

Get yourself ringfenced on DD/PE projects. Get affiliated with the financial institution practice and target projects that will translate nicely into IB. Then, when you think you've built up enough relevant experience, network your *ahem* off.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Hi there,

consulting can be a great stepping stone for you to join IB, to do so:

- pursue staffing to work on MA, DD, PEI cases

- eventually affiliate with the PEI practice

- network extensively within the firm but also with the clients (considering you are on the right cases)

- network outside your firm, join IB events, etc.

- speak with your firm career services and share your desire and let them know you are interested if any role pops-up

Good luck!

Lucie

Was this answer useful?

Answer 3

Your best bet is to focus on doing DD/portfolio company work to improve your chances of moving to PE (either investment or operating role). IB will likely be extremely difficult without an MBA.

Answer 4

Choose the career where you can see yourself in the long term, but here some pros and cons for both and additional co... (read entire answer)

Choose the career where you can see yourself in the long term, but here some pros and cons for both and additional considerations: Consulting Pros: 1. Variety of Work: Consult... (read entire answer)