(Non-target) What work experience to get into BB firms?

Jiggy
Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:05:10 +0000

Thanks for everyone who responded. I’ll try and answer the questions as they were presented. I am interested in IB, despite the long hours and tedious nature of the work. I’ve already done similar work as an equity analyst so I know excel just as well as I know Jill. The hours will be something I have to get used to, but its something that everyone starting IB must go through, so I don’t feel like its a deterrent to me. I have realistic expectations about my current chances, so that’s why I’m writing.

As far as the Merrill contacts go, I’m not sure anyone from this branch has seen the other side of the state, much less any corporate office in Houston or NY. I think that aspect is not going to amount to much at all. As far as the prospective job goes, I’m likely going to accept. I’ll be forecasting loan losses and modeling consumer trends. Again I ask, is this going to help my chances? If not, will it help me make an intermediate step up to a regional boutique or a corp. finance position at a commercial bank?

My final question deals with asset management and optimization companies. Easier to get jobs in these sectors than in IB? If so, how do I stand in relative comparison to the general applicant pool?

Thanks everyone.