European BB Corporate Banking vs. Big4 Securitization/Structured Finance

Hi guys,

I have these two full-time offers and I am debating really hard between them. I've talked to more than 10 managers and analysts in both groups. However, since people tend to speak highly of themselves, I think I need your input.

1) Big4 Advisory in Securitization/Structured Finance group. The name sounds cool but this group is just another form of assurance service, which is checking the numbers and giving opinions (Do not mistake this group for EY TAS, Deloitte FAS, or PwC Deals, etc.)

Pros: a) clients are BB structured product groups b) some cash flow models but mostly from internal software c) Networking to IB or transaction/valuation group? (is it possible?)
Cons: b) like I said, it's check numbers, though better than core audit.

2) European BB Corporate Banking (think RBS, HSBC, Credit Agricole, SocGen, etc.)
Pros: a) Credit analysis, some industry research, some input into pitching materials, etc. b) Move to an IB coverage group or DCM, LevFin? (how hard is this?)
Cons: a) Growing in the U.S., not as big as BAML, JPM, Citi, etc. b) Smaller pay than IB based salary

My goal is to work in an IB coverage group. I am leaning toward TMT, Infrastructure, & Real Estate. Thanks guys!

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