Summer 2012 - Big Four in Ghana or Boutique IB

Hi Everyone,

I have the opportunity to intern with one of the Big Four Accounting firms in Ghana or the option to intern at a boutique investment bank.

I have previously held internships with two boutique investment banks and would like to work within the investment banking industry upon graduation in May 2013 (whether that be at a bulge bracket or a boutique bank).

Any opinions/suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Most likely TAS but not 100% positive...

"A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason." - JP Morgan
 

Well TAS is obviously a plus over audit. But my gut says the boutique IB. I will let others chime in with their opinions though

I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
 

I wouldn't be going to school while in Ghana. I would be interning with a Big Four while participating on work involving microfinance and other sustainable programs for the community.

"A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason." - JP Morgan
 

By micro-finance, I meant within the community as community service....separate from the Big Four gig. Regardless, I agreed with what you are staying.

"A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason." - JP Morgan
 

I say go volunteer. Your experiences doing volunteer work in Ghana will mean so much more to your life than another boutique IB internship. Once you get into IB FT, you'll realize that you're still living a life of mediocrity. Sure from a career perspective, you're probably "better off" than most of your peers. But the chase for money and prestige is still - and always - going to be there. It's honestly a race that you'll never win, so why the hurry? Why not do something that actually means something besides moving logos and binding pitchbooks for a summer. If you're a legit ass candidate, you'll find another way into IB.

 
Best Response
needtodecide:
I say go volunteer. Your experiences doing volunteer work in Ghana will mean so much more to your life than another boutique IB internship. Once you get into IB FT, you'll realize that you're still living a life of mediocrity. Sure from a career perspective, you're probably "better off" than most of your peers. But the chase for money and prestige is still - and always - going to be there. It's honestly a race that you'll never win, so why the hurry? Why not do something that actually means something besides moving logos and binding pitchbooks for a summer. If you're a legit ass candidate, you'll find another way into IB.

I agree with this completely and fully. Volunteering is one of those intangible aspects of life that will not only make you stand out, but also make you a happier person.

If you want IB bad enough, you'll find your way. There is always a way.

 

Agree with needtodecide and Whiskey. Being able to talk about your experience in Ghana > boutique shit.

MM IB -> Corporate Development -> Strategic Finance
 

Sint quibusdam molestiae eaque cupiditate aut corrupti quis. Nam culpa reiciendis et sint fugit. Rerum veritatis odio nesciunt est illum. Vel rerum repellat voluptatem aut.

"A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason." - JP Morgan

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.9%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 04 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (147) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”