BB vs No Name HF for first job

Hey guys,

Just would appreciate some advice on how to start my career.

Last summer I interned at a midrange BB (think CS, C) in their capital markets division. I really didn't like the job and the hours really took a toll on me. I was over-stressed and just happy to get the hell out after the 10 weeks was over. I received an offer to return; however, I don't know what I should do because I have something else on the table.

Two summers ago I worked at a 5 person hedge fund in CT and really enjoyed it. The environment was great and I really felt like I was learning everyday. They actually also gave me an offer to join fulltime. I am just hesitant to join a no name firm that specializes in non-corporate credit and more project finance type debt investments just in case I want to do something else in life.

Right now, I like buyside finance type jobs, but I could also see myself leaving finance altogether to work for a F500 or start my own business.

Also, recently I have been having health problems and I am not sure I can make it through BB banking at all. Also, I'm not sure if working in capital markets will necessarily get me the experience or exit opps that make it worth it to do banking. One more thing, I am not sure which group I would be placed in which could be anything from Middle Market Investing (similar to SSG) to IG Bond Origination.

Can anyone offer some advice? Which is better option? Choosing bank for optionality/networking/training or HF that pigeonholes me but would be more enjoyable?

Thanks so much. This is something I ask myself everyday.

 

I think you answered your own question. Reread that again: almost everything you write about banking is negative and almost everything you wrote about the fund is positive. Neither is really a "bad" option, it's just whether you want to be tracking every movement in the market or a more corporate finance focused role. If you want to do something else later, it shouldn't be too hard to go from a hedge fund to a top 20 MBA program.

 

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