TAS to IB, move to middle east, MSF, or lateral?
Hello, I have a goal of lateraling into investment banking as soon as possible. I'm starting in Big 4 TAS this summer at a huge city in the US. My goal for now is to lateral into IB. I was born and raised most of my life in the middle east, and don't think I see myself staying in the US for the long-term. I see myself somewhere in Europe / Middle East. What would my options be at this point?
Transition from Big 4 TAS US to IB Dubai (Would BB / EB be in the picture?)
One year of work experience and seek acceptance in top-rated Masters program in the EU, and go through OCR
Lateral from Big 4 TAS to MM / Boutique here in the US.
My goal is to make this transition as fast as possible, ideally <1 year of my start date in TAS. What would you guys suggest?
Based on the WSO threads discussing transitions from Big 4 TAS to investment banking, here are some tailored suggestions for your situation:
Transition from Big 4 TAS to IB in Dubai: Given your background and interest in moving back to the Middle East, targeting investment banking roles in Dubai could be a strategic move. Dubai is a significant financial hub where both Bulge Bracket (BB) and Elite Boutique (EB) banks have a presence. Networking will be crucial, and leveraging any connections you have in the region or through your Big 4 firm could provide valuable leads. Additionally, demonstrating your understanding of the regional market and any relevant language skills could strengthen your candidacy.
Masters Program in the EU with OCR: Pursuing a top-rated Masters in Finance (MSF) program in Europe is another viable pathway, especially if it offers on-campus recruiting (OCR) opportunities with financial institutions. Programs that are well-recognized and have strong ties to the banking sector can significantly enhance your chances of breaking into IB, particularly in Europe where educational credentials are highly valued. This route also provides structured networking opportunities and access to alumni networks, which can be instrumental in securing interviews with IB firms.
Lateral Move in the US to MM/Boutique IB: If staying in the US for the short term is an option, targeting a lateral move from Big 4 TAS to a middle-market (MM) or boutique investment bank could be the quickest route to entering the IB field. This move would allow you to gain relevant transactional experience that can either help you move up to a larger platform in the US or make you a more attractive candidate for roles in Europe or the Middle East later on.
Given your goal to make this transition quickly, within less than a year of starting in TAS, you should begin networking intensively right away. Reach out to alumni, attend industry conferences, and connect with recruiters specializing in finance. Simultaneously, tailor your resume to highlight any transaction-related experience and skills that are transferable to IB.
Each option has its own set of challenges and opportunities, and your decision might depend on your personal circumstances, including your readiness to relocate, your educational background, and your professional network.
Sources: 9 months off work before next gig - best use of time?, Move from back office to middle office to front office, The right time to lateral?, Cannot do another year in IB....my life has already completely faded away and I am in a quite dark place., Quitting IB in 2023 - Burnout
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