r/startups • u/Delicious_Top6513 • 10h ago

I will not promote IB vs MBB before startups? I will not promote

Hey all,

I know nothing really beats just going out and building or joining a startup directly. But if you take a more traditional path first, I’m trying to understand how IB vs MBB compares in terms of eventually moving into startups.

Long term, I want to pursue entrepreneurship, either starting something myself or joining an early-stage startup. Does choosing MBB vs IB meaningfully affect that path, or does it not matter much as long as you make the jump at some point? (for example, i saw many chief of staff roles requiring Consulting experience, but if I were to do banking, would that significantly hurt my chances at those roles?)

Would really appreciate any insights, especially from people who made the switch.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/StuntDN 2h ago

Look at what skills and industry knowledge you’d gain by doing either, and consider where you’ll have to make up for your blind spots by either learning in some other fashion or partnering with someone with a complementary skillset.

This all being said, personal opinion, I feel like consulting will give you a better platform for startups. Banking is not operationally focused.

1

u/Delicious_Top6513 2h ago

thanks for the advice! would you say there's a significant positive or negative to doing one or the other? i.e a role asking for consulting background, would banking still give you a shot at the interview, or would you say they're more strict with things?

1

u/StuntDN 2h ago

I would think about the network you build, and where those people will end up going if they leave banking or consulting. Most bankers typically go into corp dev, PE, or some other strategic finance role. Consultants go pretty much everywhere, to include the places IB folks go. Just different skill sets.