Subject: Seeking Advice on Job Offers for OCR Recruiting in Investment Banking
Hello everyone,
I’m currently enrolled in a part-time program at an M7 MBA school and will have access to internship recruiting for investment banking (IB). At the moment, I work as a Corporate Development Analyst at a Fortune 200 healthcare services company, and I have received two offers to join different corporate development teams.
My background includes experience as a Strategy Consultant at a Tier 2 consulting firm (e.g., LEK, EY Parthenon, Strategy&, Oliver Wyman), specifically in the M&A team. This fall, I will be participating in the on-campus recruiting (OCR) process for internships, and I’d appreciate any insights on which corporate development offer to accept.
My two current offers are:
1. Corporate Development Manager at a private equity-backed company owned by a well-regarded middle-market PE firm, which generates around $750M in revenue.
2. Corporate Development Associate at a Fortune 200 publicly traded medical devices company.
The PE-backed role offers a higher salary and a more senior title, while the F200 position boasts significant brand recognition. I’m inclined to choose the PE-backed company due to the appealing title and compensation; however, I’m concerned that its lower visibility could impact my prospects during OCR.
Given that I will only be in this role until I transition to a full-time MBA student next year, I want to ensure I choose the option that will best enhance my attractiveness to recruiters. How crucial is the company’s reputation in influencing OCR outcomes for IB?
I’d really appreciate your thoughts and experiences on this matter. Thank you!
One response
It’s great to see you’re carefully weighing your options before making a decision regarding your job offers. Here are some key points to consider for your situation:
Reputation and Brand Recognition: In the world of investment banking and finance, brand recognition can play a significant role during the recruiting process. A recognizable company can help your resume stand out. However, this does not mean that experience at a lesser-known firm isn’t valuable—especially if the role provides you with substantial responsibilities and skill development.
Role Responsibilities and Title: The position at the PE-backed company seems to offer you a better title and higher compensation. Titles can be important when you’re trying to position yourself as a strong candidate during recruitment. Assess how the responsibilities of each role align with skills or experiences that recruiters in investment banking are typically looking for.
Skill Development: Think about the skills you’ll gain in each position. Working in corporate development at a well-known F200 company may provide you with experience and exposure to strategic decision-making at a larger scale, which could be valuable in your career. Conversely, the PE-backed firm may expose you to deal execution and financial modeling in a more dynamic environment. Pick a role that aligns with building critical skills for IB.
Long-term Considerations: Even though you’re primarily focused on OCR this fall, consider how each position might impact your long-term career trajectory and networking opportunities. Working at a recognized company might open doors further down the line, especially with alumni connections.
Networking Opportunities: Look into the networks associated with both companies. The F200 company may have a broader alumni base in investment banking, while the PE-backed firm may have strong connections in private equity and other industries.
Internship Approaches: Many recruiters understand the dynamics of the market, so don’t underestimate the power of whom you know and how you present your experience. Being currently in a Corporate Development role can give you pertinent talking points during interviews, irrespective of the brand name.
Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons based on your career goals, and don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni or mentors in the industry for their perspectives on how either role may be viewed by investment banks. Good luck with your decision!