Manager - Finance and Accounts
59003 Points
Joined June 2010
Hey Sagar! Congrats on getting two solid offers — both sound like great opportunities but with different vibes and career paths. Here’s a quick breakdown that might help you decide:
Morgan Stanley – Hedge Fund Accounting
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Pros:
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Global brand, excellent resume booster.
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Exposure to sophisticated financial systems and processes.
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Strong learning curve on hedge fund operations, valuations, compliance.
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Good platform if you want to eventually move into SFM, finance roles, or asset management.
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Cons:
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Work may be more back-office or accounting-focused, less client-facing.
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Might not involve your passion for research or stock picking directly.
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Potentially high pressure with strict deadlines.
ICICI Bank – Credit Manager (SME sector)
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Pros:
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Client-facing role; helps develop relationship-building skills.
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Involves interacting with SMEs, learning credit evaluation and risk management.
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Great if you want to build a network for your own practice later.
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Potential for business development experience.
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Cons:
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Banking role might be more routine, process-driven.
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Possibly slower career progression compared to big global firms.
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More regional/local exposure than global.
What to consider for your choice:
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years? If you want a global finance/asset management career, Morgan Stanley might edge out.
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Do you want to build a client base and possibly start your own practice someday? ICICI’s SME credit role gives you direct client interaction and relationship management.
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Work environment and learning style? More desk and numbers-heavy vs. more interpersonal/client-facing.
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Work-life balance & culture can differ significantly; try connecting with current employees for insight.
My take:
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If your passion is for finance markets, learning technical stuff, and global exposure → go with Morgan Stanley.
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If your passion is for building people skills, client relationships, and entrepreneurial future → ICICI SME credit manager role fits better.
Both paths have merit. You can always build on the experience to pivot later. What excites you more day-to-day? That often matters most.