Apollo Credit vs BB IBD

I was lucky enough to get offers to both the Apollo Credit Summer Analyst Position and a BB IBD stint (Barclays, BAML, CS). How do these two roles compare in terms of exit opps, prestige, compensation? Which one would you take and why?

 

Why are you bumping this and screaming for guidance as opposed to answering the question asked so that people can readily help you?

There was a discussion last week about Apollo performing credit vs. BB Distressed, As I said then, distressed IBD was going to be more modeling intensive and give better training. Notice though, at that time we could advise based on group at BB and at Apollo.

Just be more complete - do you know which group in IB and which group at Apollo?

Generally, credit, unless distressed, will be a little easier on the modeling than anytime you have to build operating models for equity holders. Buy side has the advantage of training you on a "investor's mindset."

 

Apollo Credit is solid but ultimately its a fundamentally different role than IB especially at an entry level.

I think that something like M&A / Sponsors at CS, Sponsors at BAML or Nat Res / Power at Barclays would be strongly preferable to Apollo Credit. A less traditionally "prestigious" coverage group at one of these banks may seem better, but in the long-term will provide you with more optionality than Apollo Credit likely would.

 

This question is impossible to answer without knowing groups or your goals. There is no clear "better" option, and opp credit is very different than direct lending which is very different than structured, and all of them are much different than banking.

Purely in terms of "optionality" if that is defined as ease of getting other offers in full time recruiting if you decide to switch, Apollo opp credit is probably best assuming you get a ft offer.

Comp differences are negligible and "prestige" doesn't mean much

 
Best Response

For reference for anyone looking at this thread in the future, I went with Apollo in the end. As far as modeling/technical experience goes the feeling I got was that the Credit role would certainly give me experience with models that are less in depth than most M&A groups at BBs but ultimately would give me more technical exposure than an industry coverage group that I would most likely end up in. This was confirmed by analysts in both roles that I spoke to when I was making a decision. In addition I think the Apollo name carries a lot of weight considering how selective they are with their Summer Analysts and optionality in the future. Lastly I see the role at Apollo to be a lot more intellectually stimulating as you're essentially making your own investment theses and pitching them to your PM's as an analyst which I personally find to be pretty cool and nothing you'll ever get to experience in banking.

 

Totam dolore dolor veniam cumque ullam. Consequatur et repudiandae et ullam et voluptate adipisci. Non nobis cum neque ut omnis neque alias.

Consequatur aut et nam soluta et tempore modi. Ut possimus qui autem corrupti cum sit. Quis aut explicabo exercitationem consequatur non consequatur totam magni. Sunt rerum iste et odio sint voluptatibus veniam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 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

March 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

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”