Comments on: From Big 4 Restructuring to Investment Banking: How to Make the Leap

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 21:25:40 +0000

In reply to Stephen. Big 4 M&A because the work is more relevant and you get the benefits of the brand name (assuming valuation advisory is at a non-Big-4 firm).

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:57:07 +0000

Hi Brian. Whilst I have have had final interviews at IBs recently, I have not received any offers. I am therefore looking at pursuing other opp’s, with the hope of getting into an IB eventually. What would be more beneficial – Big 4 M&A or Valuation Advisory?
Thanks

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 23:15:43 +0000

In reply to Samy.

1) Tough to say, but if you want to stay in IB long-term or you are 100% set on private equity, which normally requires IB first, yes. If you just want to use it to move to another field, such as corporate development, probably not.

We have U.S. compensation figures here, not sure about Canada: https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banker-salary/

2) and 3) I would take a look at some of these articles about switching from TAS / Big 4 into IB:

https://mergersandinquisitions.com/valuation-advisory-investment-banking-lateral-hiring/
https://mergersandinquisitions.com/mba-investment-banking-recruiting-process/
https://mergersandinquisitions.com/private-equity-pension-fund-canada/
https://mergersandinquisitions.com/big-4-accountant-investment-banking-south-africa/

By: Samy

Samy — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 15:57:42 +0000

Thanks for the post and feedback on comments.

I worked in TAS FDD both in India and US and been recently moved to Canada. I’m looking to make a switch to IB. Following are my questions:

1. I’m over 30y, is it worth to switch to IB now? What level can I expect to start in IB if I get through? What kind of salary can I expect – BB v/s boutique in Toronto (any ballpark is helpful)?

2. What steps should I take to make a switch i.e. shall I join the financial modeling course or any other certification?

3. Any tips for marketing myself or for the interview story?

Many thanks and appreciate the help!

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 13:44:49 +0000

In reply to David. This is not a new development, Big 4 firms have always had IB teams. These teams are fine, deals are smaller, pay is lower, exit opportunities are not as good, etc. They're fine, but it's still better to go a dedicated investment bank, if you can do so, for those reasons.

By: David

David — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 15:40:40 +0000

Hey Brian – Nowadays the Big 4 have growing IB teams – any feelings on them? Have you heard anything about the work they’re doing/transaction volume?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 16:20:04 +0000

In reply to Anderson. Depends on your other options... if you're not close to winning interviews/offers anywhere else, take this internship. But if you think something else more relevant could open up in the next few months, wait for that.

By: Anderson

Anderson — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 05:20:30 +0000

Hi guys! So I just got offered an internship in commercial real estate at a top 10 bank, though it’s not bulge bracket. My goal is to break into investment banking. Should I take this position and then build experience and then move into IB, or should I decline it to recruit with other firms?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 16:45:54 +0000

In reply to Girish. Because it's the least relevant and often involves budgeting/forecasting work as opposed to working on M&A deals or other transactions.

By: Girish

Girish — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:15:10 +0000

In reply to M&I - Brian. Hi Brian, Nicole & team. Thanks for all these super informative posts and responses to queries. Following up on your previous post Brian, just curious to understand why Big 4 Corporate Finance shouldn't be the 1st choice for eventually landing an IB or elite boutique job? Please advise.