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Why move from consulting to IB?

Hi - anyone who have make such a move could you share why you have done so and whether the move was worth it?

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Rita
Coach
on Jul 09, 2025
Excel in Finance | FREE 15 Minutes Intro Call | Personalised Preparation

Hi! I’ve seen a few people make that move, usually to get closer to the financial side of deals and build more technical skills. It really depends on your long-term goals, but for some, it’s a stepping stone into roles like private equity.

There are already some great discussions in the forum. I’d recommend checking these out:

🔗 Consulting to IB – early career pivot
🔗 Private Equity vs. Consulting

Rita

Natalie
Coach
on Jul 11, 2025
Ex-Investment Banker | Former Deloitte & Grant Thornton | Coaching Finance Candidates to Ace Interviews & Land Top Roles

That's a valid question. People typically make that move because they want to shift from strategic advisory to actual deal execution. They're looking to master the deep financial mechanics of M&A and, frankly, increase their earning potential significantly.

While the lifestyle in investment banking is much more demanding than consulting, many find it worthwhile because it provides specialized transaction experience and a more direct pathway into private equity and other high-level finance roles.

Simon
Coach
on Jul 24, 2025
Mastering Deals and Strategy | Seasoned coach

Pretty much what Rita and Natalie already said:

Common reasons for moving from consulting to IB include:

  • Deeper financial exposure and deal execution experience
  • Faster learning curve and steeper responsibility early on
  • Interest in transaction-driven work vs. broader strategy

For many, the move is worth it if you're aiming for roles in PE, corp dev, or want to build strong technical skills. That said, IB hours can be more intense, and the culture shift is real. It totally depends on your long-term goals.

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