if you're already in IB, recruiting for IB will obviously be a lot easier, given prior experience and theoretically being well-versed in what responses they're looking for. honestly though, unless this is the only way you can jump from a boutique firm or middle market firm to a bulge bracket, why?? i agree with the comment that it's sort of a waste of two years and foregone income if you're just going to stay in the same field. you're still going to start as a first-year associate and have the same promotion-track as everyone else.