Best groups at MS?
Hey all,
Following the spirit of the BAML post, can we discuss the top groups in MS in terms of deal flow, culture and exits? The few posts that I have been able to find all seem a bit dated.
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Bumpity-bump.
M&A and Media & Comm have had some high profile exits to PJT (Don Cornwell, Scott Matlock, Rob Friedsam, and probably others I don't know of), but are still very strong groups and probably where you want to be for PE placements. M&A in particular has a reputation for extremely good exits and I've heard that they're contacted directly by funds (though I don't know if this is true). MS Menlo is still one of the best offices to be in for tech - the best nowadays probably being Qatalyst, but MS not far behind.
If you're really concerned about "deal flow", go to FIG or M&A, which are the two busiest groups.
Culture-wise I have heard Consumer & Retail and Sponsors are good, but can't really speak on this as much. The small Transportation group operates like a boutique and has a very close knit culture as well.
Honestly though pretty much every core banking group at MS except the NY Tech group will do you just fine for PE, unless you are dead set on BX TacOps, TPG SSG, or Oaktree (insert prestigious, secretive fund I missed here). Then I would recommend M&A
Did you get an offer from GCM or IBD? Or just a general question
IBD
How long after superday did you hear back if I can ask
I'll repeat much of Kazimierz' comment.
M&A, Media & Comms, and the Menlo group are the best. M&A historically has placed lights-out at the analyst level. There was a casual saying on the street for years (primarily among employees and alumni of Morgan Stanley, admittedly): "Morgan Stanley is M&A and M&A is Morgan Stanley." That's dissipated a bit as of ~10 years ago (going into the buyout boom years of the mid-2000s Goldman really solidified a reputation as the place to go to sell your company), but it's always been the firm's pride jewel.
Cornwell and Matlock going to PJT isn't going to hurt the firm. Cornwell is a niche guy: you go to him for sports and entertainment. Matlock grew out of Media & Comms. The group is larger than the two of them.
Media & Comms is probably the next 'best' group to be in as an analyst in terms of exit opps. CRG would likely follow. They routinely place strongly. Menlo outpaces both of them, but since it runs on a separate recruiting process, you can't do the whole division-wide networking approach hoping to secure a summer offer then finagle your way into a top group - you have to go hard in the paint for Menlo from the start.
I can't talk too much about culture since the data points I have are dated. None of these groups have light hours. CRG is probably the lightest of all that I've mentioned. Know going in that you'll get worked in M&A. That's the trade-off. Every fund (public or private) will take you very seriously. You're the crème de la crème, not just of the firm but also of the street - there are less than five groups as well-respected. You just won't have a cakewalk for those two years.
How is their power group?
If you are referring to GPUG (Power & Utilities), they are pretty solid. Not in the same grouping as M&A orMedia & Comm
How does these groups compare to Laz/Evr?
Could anyone offer updated thoughts on the financial sponsors group? Particularly interested in placement vs. Media/Comms and M&A - have heard varying things, even from people within the firm.
I've heard very good things about placement out of sponsors in the SF office and mixed things about NYC. Have a friend in NYC sponsors who says the culture is phenomenal though
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What's your definition of good? Get a job in PE then M&A and FSG. Otherwise tech team is good if you want to do tech PE / growth stuff.
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