Comments please:1- When people talk about IB (on here in relation to high salaries e.g.- starting 60k+bonus) are they always talking about front-office jobs?2- Does sales count as a front office job?3- Do you know any forums like this or good sites which focus on and EXPLAIN the different positions in banks?I'm currently 23 @ a big 4 in technology consulting (first year with top mark in MSc from a top three) wanting to switch to 'IB' - is it worth me staying 2 years to complete CIMA before trying to switch?Thanks in advance!Adam.(ps- before people ask why, i always thought IB was for people a A-level maths / economics degree only!)

1. No2. Yes it can do in respect to IB, but the term sales can also be used more generically. So for example 'selling consultancy to an IB' contrasts with a 'broker selling eurobonds' in an IB.3. I dont follow your question. Why is this not a good site, at least for consultants?Is it 'worth' it ? You are probably much better placed to answer that than us because you will have a better understanding of the financial variables of your position versus future career options. Part-qualified's do move BUT you havent finished your CIMA yet.If you are an economic genius you can probably sail through CIMA and do an IB role at the same time. Upside might include the possibility of more pay in the short run. Downside might be you struggle to find a role/fit in/and struggle to complete CIMA.CIMA is not a breeze unless you are the accounting equivalent of an economic genius. Staying where you are would probably be the safe option, but I dont know the details.

Sorry to be blunt, but if you thought that to get in IB you had to have A level maths then you do not have sufficient business acumen to pass the recruitng rounds - even if your academics land you an interview.

I think he probably meant that while Maths A-level is not required for the actual work, it is a recruitment prerequisite.

So why are the hours so long in IB, far longer than consulting?Is is a cultural thing? Why do 90 hours a week when you could employ 2 people? Is it to get the bonuses? It looks to me like a cultural approach that has developed rather than pressure of work.

2 reasons:1. It's a macho man thing, a throwback from the 80's. Sleep is for wimps, etc. Also, if they're paying you big bucks, then they expect 100% dedication from you. They're buying your life, not renting your time. 2. It's an oligopsony. If you challenge the status quo - well, there's plenty of insecure little academic overachievers out there who will happily take your place and work all hours of the week. What do you think of the above?

With a name like Adam Smith, you might be a shoe-in for an economist position ;)

Not all roles in banks require the 80-100 hour weeks done in M&A.You mention sales. People in sales and trading typically work 6.30/7am-6pm or so mon-fri which is a good working week balance compared to the mon-sun all hours nature of some other parts of a bank.

What sort of skills do you think they look for in sales? Is it all about quick mental maths / excel modelling?J.