IB or VC? Help!

Hey guys, I need a honest advice on what to do with my life as I am having an existential crisis...

Few info on my situation:

  • Italian, 32, 5+ years of top tier strategy consulting experience in Middle East
  • Left my previous job in Dubai at Engagement Manager level to start a top-rankedMBAin Europe and shift toPEorVC
  • During the 1st term of theMBA, the career services dept stressed a lot how it is highly unlikely to end up inPEwithoutBBbanking experience and after few initial chats with bankers I started to consider the banking route
  • I did the IB track andsigned a summer internshipoffer at a topBBin London

Now the situation gets more complicated as my ex Manager (ex-Bain) and mentor in my previous firm just entered into a small newborn early stageVCfund in Italy ($35M AUM) and basically wants me in as I finish theMBA.

Now I really don't know what to do... the positive thing is that I still have until May 2022 to make up my mind.

On theIBside, the whole recruitment process was really intensive but once I got the offer I started to look forward to the prestige and type of deal making experience I could make, that would eventually open doors inPEorVCmega funds. On the other hand, starting as an Associate at 32 is clearly a huge down-grading from my previous job.

On theVCside, the type of work I would be doing is probably way cooler (I assume) but it's a bet... The firm is new, the fund is small, and there is no guarantee the fund will perform in the coming 5-7 years - if that's the case then I would be completely killing my career.

What would you insiders think? If you were in my shoes what would you consider and why?

Comments (4)

  • InterninIB - Gen
Feb 21, 2021 - 1:08pm

I'm a lot younger than you, but I think go to theVCfirm. Take the risk. Associate-levelIBexits aren't as good (compared to analysts), and a lot ofBBassociates would probably jump to theVCfirm.

If theVCfirm fails, your career isn't over. You'll find something.

最有帮助的
Feb 21, 2021 - 1:24pm
SnappleApple, what's your opinion? Comment below:
Sperelli

Hey guys, I need a honest advice on what to do with my life as I am having an existential crisis...

Few info on my situation:

  • Italian, 32, 5+ years of top tier strategy consulting experience in Middle East
  • Left my previous job in Dubai at Engagement Manager level to start a top-rankedMBAin Europe and shift toPEorVC
  • During the 1st term of theMBA, the career services dept stressed a lot how it is highly unlikely to end up inPEwithoutBBbanking experience and after few initial chats with bankers I started to consider the banking route
  • I did the IB track and signed asummer internshipoffer at a topBBin London

Now the situation gets more complicated as my ex Manager (ex-Bain) and mentor in my previous firm just entered into a small newborn early stageVCfund in Italy ($35M AUM) and basically wants me in as I finish theMBA.

Now I really don't know what to do... the positive thing is that I still have until May 2022 to make up my mind.

On theIBside, the whole recruitment process was really intensive but once I got the offer I started to look forward to the prestige and type of deal making experience I could make, that would eventually open doors inPEorVCmega funds. On the other hand, starting as an Associate at 32 is clearly a huge down-grading from my previous job.

On theVCside, the type of work I would be doing is probably way cooler (I assume) but it's a bet... The firm is new, the fund is small, and there is no guarantee the fund will perform in the coming 5-7 years - if that's the case then I would be completely killing my career.

What would you insiders think? If you were in my shoes what would you consider and why?

This is a personal decision and asking 22 year olds isn't it.

You wrote admissions essays and thought about why you wanted to do anMBA. Need to do the same process to figure out what you want long term -- it's also a bet on yourself.

I will say that getting into mega capPE/VCis an uphilll battle.

Feb 21, 2021 - 1:43pm
Sperelli, what's your opinion? Comment below:

For theMBAI just wanted a 1.5 years break that still looks good on the CV ahah

But I get your point and you are totally right - just wanted to hear the perspective of current Associates

Feb 21, 2021 - 2:30pm
SnappleApple, what's your opinion? Comment below:

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