I'm currently starting my fourth year in ER at a bank (non BB) covering non-bank financials (think insurance, credit card cos, etc.). Currently a senior associate (the ranking system at my firm goes, Associate->Senior Associate->Analyst->Senior Analyst->Director).
I was given coverage in my second year and now have ~10 stocks under coverage. While the working environment is very good, our firm is not doing too well and getting promoted seems impossible in the current environment. Further, we recently got a new head of research that is a douche (consensus view in our office) and I think he does not like me.
I've been talking to a few recruiters to see what options I have externally and one offered me a ER role at a BB. This role would be in another sector (Chemicals) but would be as an associate role supporting the SA (so I would likely not have my own coverage initially).
Not sure whether it is worth it to pursue this opportunity. If I were to stay at my current firm, I would likely have more responsibility (increase my coverage and build more relationships with clients) but pay increases would likely be mediocre and promotion opportunities may be limited. If I move, I would be at a more 'prestigious' shop and would gain experience in a different sector but I would be taking a step back in terms of responsibility.
If my ultimate goal were to be in a HF, do you guys think its smarter to stick it out in my current role (where I have coverage) or would it make sense to up my 'prestige' by going to the BB?