Job Offer Selection Dilemma - URGENT HELP REQUIRED!!

Hi guys,
My background in a nutshell: B.Tech Comp Sci graduate: 73.24%(>3.5 GPA) from India, Passed CFA L1 June 2014, GRE & TOEFL: 328 (Q:168) & 110, Summer intern in. Master data mgmt.

So, The thing is I'll be applying for MSF/MMS programs in the US & Europe for Fall '15 and am trying to decide between 2 job offers . My goal post the program is to get into IB.

1.) The first one is that of a Business Analyst at UnitedHealth Group(work primarily involves analytics).
2.) The second one is from Kotak Investment Bank(one of the prime IBs in India) as an IB Intern for about 6-9 months. But the internship clause is a bit of a worry.

Honestly, I'm not aware of how the recruiters value experience for these "pre-experience" programs and since UHG is a Fortune 14 company my guess is that the prestige of the firm in the US will be quite high. So, not sure what'll be the better choice, prestige of firm or pertinent work experience. Just want to understand the ground reality out there to help me take a better a decision

Only have 2 days to make a decision.

Like I said, the goal is to get into IB and hence, want to secure as many interviews as possible. So don't want to have any questionable stuff on my resume.

The programs I'll be applying to are: Duke MMS, MIT MSF, UVA MS Commerce, Vanderbilt MSF and UTA MSF. Also, have LBS MiM, LSE MSF & HEC MiF on the list as well.

Please feel free to ask for any more information if required. Will be happy to hear absolutely any advice you guys might have!

Thank you in advance.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • 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 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • 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 (146) $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

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...”