Need help choosing
I'll be graduating with my MBA this year from a T10 program. I currently have two offers
Option 1: Rotational Treasury program at a top Automotive Company
Option 2: Corporate Development and Strategy at a large Industrial company
I have experience in Investment banking and truly enjoy M&A. The treasury program is unique and will teach me functions that I haven't had exposure too... but could be pigeon holed in Treasury. Whereas getting into Corp Dev isn't too easy, especially at a Fortune 50 Industrials company.
Comp is about the same and both are located in low COL cities in the Midwest. Another thing to keep in mind is Automotive, especially right now is very volatile. Whereas with this Industrial company they have amazing momentum and are experiencing lots of growth with reindustrialization, clean energy, and over infrastructure projects.
Given your background in investment banking and a clear interest in M&A, the Corporate Development and Strategy role at the large Industrial company seems to align more closely with your career aspirations and past experiences. Here are a few points to consider based on the WSO threads and discussions:
Alignment with Career Goals: If M&A excites you and you envision a career path in this domain, Corporate Development and Strategy roles are directly aligned with these interests. These roles typically involve working on acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships, which would leverage and further develop your investment banking skills.
Industry Stability and Growth: You've noted that the automotive industry is currently volatile, which could introduce a level of uncertainty in your career path. On the other hand, the industrial sector, especially with its focus on reindustrialization, clean energy, and infrastructure projects, appears to be on a growth trajectory. This could offer more stability and potentially more exciting opportunities for strategic projects.
Risk of Being Pigeonholed: While the Rotational Treasury program offers a unique learning opportunity, your concern about being pigeonholed in Treasury is valid. If your long-term goal is not to specialize in Treasury functions, this could limit your future mobility across different domains within finance and strategy.
Ease of Entry into Corporate Development: As you've mentioned, breaking into Corporate Development, especially at a Fortune 50 company, is not easy. Securing an offer in this field from a top-tier MBA program is an achievement and could be a testament to your fit for this career path. It might be harder to transition into Corporate Development later if you start in a different function.
Personal Interest and Passion: Ultimately, choosing a role that aligns with your interests, passion, and where you see yourself growing the most is crucial. If M&A and strategy work excites you more than Treasury functions, this could be a strong indicator of where you might find the most fulfillment.
Considering these points, the Corporate Development and Strategy role at the large Industrial company seems to be a better fit for your career goals, interests, and the industry stability you're seeking.
Sources: Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, New Graduate Offer Decision: Forbes 40 Corporate Development vs BB IBD (ECM) vs BIG4 Corporate Finance, Q&A: Deloitte S&O -> F500 Corp. Strategy -> M7 -> MBB, Corporate/Tech Strategy Career Path, Post MBA?, MBA Internship Recruiting - Corporate Development/Strategy Q&A
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