Guggenheim Partners Insight?

Any insight towards the best groups and Analyst compensation for Guggenheim in their different coverage teams (eg. Restructuring or TMT)?

How are the exit opps as well as the workload compared to other banks? I've heard not great, but I want to get feedback from all of you.

 
NoPreftige:

Good
Horrible

So good Compensation and Exit opps, but horrible hours?

I've heard similar feedback. People have said that Guggenheim stands on the border of Elite Boutique since they've been coming up and nailing billion+ dollar deals. They also have the horrible work/life reputation too.

Any insight on the groups?

 

Are you interviewing for FT or SA? I just applied for a summer position and the only open opportunities were in ER or S&T. Wondering if I may have missed the IB or AM deadlines/if they even offer summer positions in those divisions.

 

Getting better and PE is becoming more of a sure thing. The bank is one of the hottest on the street, and as dealflow improves, so will analyst experiences. They don't have a ton of alums in PE, but I noticed a couple notables in Welsh Carson and Castle Harlan. It's certainly not going to give you the options of a BB or even a Jefferies at the moment, but in 12-18 months when you'll actually be recruiting, I bet that the exit opps at Guggenheim will have improved immensely compared to now.

 

Just signed an SA offer with Gugg, and from what the people there told me, the senior bankers there are all very helpful in going to bat for you regarding exit opps. And since they're continuing to poach some of the top bankers on the street, there will definitely be some good networking opportunities going forward.

 

They were a client of ours but I only know tidbits. They've really been ramping up efforts for their AM side. From what I could tell they were entrepreneural and smart guys. Not sure on culture as only met some of them in client meetings. They also contacted me for interview next week.

 

Do you have anyone in your network who works for them?

Calnus:
They were a client of ours but I only know tidbits. They've really been ramping up efforts for their AM side. From what I could tell they were entrepreneural and smart guys. Not sure on culture as only met some of them in client meetings. They also contacted me for interview next week.
 
Calnus:
They were a client of ours but I only know tidbits. They've really been ramping up efforts for their AM side. From what I could tell they were entrepreneural and smart guys. Not sure on culture as only met some of them in client meetings. They also contacted me for interview next week.

Thanks, good luck on your interview!

 
JacOffasour:
Also, do they manage their own money or do investment consulting? It is not 100% clear from their website.

They do both. They basically started out as a family office and then started expanding I think in late 90s to offer AM, IB, etc. But good luck on your interview.

 

I have been thinking about applying there - but there hasn't been anything posted recently that I am interested in. From what I have gleaned from their website and talk around my office, they seem like a great firm.

 
kostcoguy:
I have been thinking about applying there - but there hasn't been anything posted recently that I am interested in. From what I have gleaned from their website and talk around my office, they seem like a great firm.

It took em like 2-4 months to reply to my original application. So may as well apply and see if it does anything.

 

Speaking only on Guggenheim IBD:

I knew someone from my school working there now and I spoke with a couple others there (junior and senior levels) before too. They're definitely very well respected and give good amount of meaningful work even at the analyst level (At least as meaningful IBD could get at the junior level). Work hours may be bad but honestly, where would the hours AT IBD ever be considered "good?" Maybe the difference could be 100 vs. 110 hours per week but that'd already be at a point where the difference wouldn't matter all that much. Plus they did advise on the Verizon-vodafone deal which was among the largest deals in history. Senior employees also come from very respectable backgrounds.

In terms of exit opps, nobody I know who joined Guggenheim has left yet, and I think this might be sure to the fact thats its IBD arm is still relatively new; it only really took off around 2009. In fact aside from the person from my school, everyone else I knew who joined actually had experience at a BB first, and joined to help grow the company.

 

I'm still in school but from my understanding they are the place to be. Growing firm that wants to attract top young talent. Definitely an awesome place to land after college.

Any ideas on how many offers the LA office gave??

 
OMS:
u jelly?

Haha I am! I know friends that went to superday in LA office. nothing but good experiences from what they said. Also know that Guggenheims Vice Chairman is in the LA office and an ex-Goldman partner/MD. Other MD came from Moelis i believe?

Sounds like their analysts will get some sick senior exposure...and some big cocks rammed up their asses along the way. Yummmmmmmm.

 

^what has been read cannot be unread...

Disclaimer for the Kids: Any forward-looking statements are solely for informational purposes and cannot be taken as investment advice. Consult your moms before deciding where to invest.
 

I went to their superday on Friday. Honestly, I have interviewed with BX, Laz, Evercore, BAML, GS, and Greenhill and none of them impressed me like the guys from Guggenheim did.

They are really awesome people, have worked on some great deals (dodgers, cablevision etc) but I am not sure about how other more established people in the industry view them.

They are not trying to be a boutique and only focus on advisory but are more so trying to become the new Bear Stearns. The were firm on the belief that gugg would be a full service investment bank and I think Alan is the guy to lead them there.

Not saying I would take the offer over BB or elite boutiques but it is very interesting. I'm sure there was this type of skepticism when the other top boutiques were starting out but look how that turned out.

"Look, you're my best friend, so don't take this the wrong way. In twenty years, if you're still livin' here, comin' over to my house to watch the Patriots games, still workin' construction, I'll fuckin' kill you. That's not a threat, that's a fact.
 
Will Hunting:
I went to their superday on Friday. Honestly, I have interviewed with BX, Laz, Evercore, BAML, GS, and Greenhill and none of them impressed me like the guys from Guggenheim did.

They are really awesome people, have worked on some great deals (dodgers, cablevision etc) but I am not sure about how other more established people in the industry view them.

They are not trying to be a boutique and only focus on advisory but are more so trying to become the new Bear Stearns. The were firm on the belief that gugg would be a full service investment bank and I think Alan is the guy to lead them there.

Not saying I would take the offer over BB or elite boutiques but it is very interesting. I'm sure there was this type of skepticism when the other top boutiques were starting out but look how that turned out.

Wow. thanks for sharing, this is good.

How would exit opps look in your opinion? would it be more MDs and senior guys pushing to contacts for their analysts? Or do you think headhunters would reach out to Guggenheim like they do for other top shops?

Also did you have the superday with their NY office? Congrats on those interviews as well, those are all amazing!!

 
Will Hunting:
I went to their superday on Friday. Honestly, I have interviewed with BX, Laz, Evercore, BAML, GS, and Greenhill and none of them impressed me like the guys from Guggenheim did.

They are really awesome people, have worked on some great deals (dodgers, cablevision etc) but I am not sure about how other more established people in the industry view them.

They are not trying to be a boutique and only focus on advisory but are more so trying to become the new Bear Stearns. The were firm on the belief that gugg would be a full service investment bank and I think Alan is the guy to lead them there.

Not saying I would take the offer over BB or elite boutiques but it is very interesting. I'm sure there was this type of skepticism when the other top boutiques were starting out but look how that turned out.

Hmmm... which office did you interview with? I also interviewed with GS, BX, HL FRG etc They made me an early offer late July but I was not impressed with the people from their LA office at all...

 
Will Hunting:
I went to their superday on Friday. Honestly, I have interviewed with BX, Laz, Evercore, BAML, GS, and Greenhill and none of them impressed me like the guys from Guggenheim did.

They are really awesome people, have worked on some great deals (dodgers, cablevision etc) but I am not sure about how other more established people in the industry view them.

They are not trying to be a boutique and only focus on advisory but are more so trying to become the new Bear Stearns. The were firm on the belief that gugg would be a full service investment bank and I think Alan is the guy to lead them there.

Not saying I would take the offer over BB or elite boutiques but it is very interesting. I'm sure there was this type of skepticism when the other top boutiques were starting out but look how that turned out.

Agreed. I had a superday w/the LA office but was unable to receive an offer. Had i been given the opportunity though i would have probably taken it over the other top MM i took or even the lower tier BB offer i had (ex- baml, Citi, UBS).

I don't throw darts at a board. I bet on sure things. Read Sun-tzu, The Art of War. Every battle is won before it is ever fought- GG
 

Does anyone on this forum have any idea what they are talking about? They've placed 1 analyst into PE ever. Deal flow is majority pitching. Not where you want to be right now, maybe in a few years though. Be wary of the advice you get here (my post included).

 
pokemans:
Does anyone on this forum have any idea what they are talking about? They've placed 1 analyst into PE ever. Deal flow is majority pitching. Not where you want to be right now, maybe in a few years though. Be wary of the advice you get here (my post included).

OMS is a Certified User. You have 11points

I mean...il take his word over urs. You seem bitter lol

Jelly bro?

 

I have an interview coming up with these guys as well. Have been really impressed with them so far, and seems to be small shop but actively getting involved in big names. Any idea on culture (hours, dress, relationships with mgmt) to comp and headcount.

 

Solid firm, especially active in securitization markets. Yes, they did do the Dodgers deal, however keep in mind that the firm's holding company was also the buyer. The firm is historically and primarily in the high net worth advisory and Asset Management businesses, but that said the IB arm is certainly growing.

I don't think a comparison to either the lower bulge-bracket firms or the independent M&A advisors makes particular sense; Guggenheim seems to be charting its own course as a smaller, higher-touch full service investment bank.

"There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat."
 

Positives: Incredible exposure to senior bankers. Peter Comisar head of consumer group and vice chairman of Guggenheim located in SM office.

Great growth potential, increased responsibility, possibility off adding more coverage groups to SM office in upcoming years.

Office is dope... working long hours has got to be a lot easier when you have a panoramic view of the pacific ocean.

Negatives: Still working on brand name.

Tough competition for deals (altho got the true religion one today)

LA isnt SF or NYC when it comes to banking

I'd be stoked if I got an offer...

 
HarvardOrBust:
If you took Gugg over Citi or BAML because of what you perceive on this website you should probably kill yourself. Deal flow at either two banks would destroy whatever Gugg gets.

I'm going to a top boutique in SF and old got the first round at Guggenheim, so i didnt even progress in the process

and to comment on your unreasonably bitter remark, the way BAML is downsizing its IB division: [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/20/bank-of-america-layoffs-16000_…
http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2012/09/20/report-BofA-planning-to-lay-off-16000-workers/ http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/20/business/la-fi-bofa-layoffs-201…]

and how Citi just lost its CEO (this actually could be a good thing bcuz of the controversy surrounding Pandit and how he did...i'll give you Citi vs Guggenheim as a tip of the scale towards Citi)

i dont think its "worth killing myself" over joining Guggenheim over a declining BB. a few years ago noone heard of Moelis and know they are a powerhouse. same can be said about Greenhill when they started

again, BAML and Citi do have their reasons to join too but i would rather join a growing boutique being led by ex partners and ex CEOs and ex Co-Heads of global M&A/Media from JPM than take the risk of joining a BB that tends to ALWAYS OVER FIRE AND OVER HIRE.

but thts just me. i appreciate your thoughts too, no need to get hostile.

 

Lol you point to one bank laying off and think that's the only bank doing it. Take a look across the street -- everyone is laying off, not just BAML. And you think Moelis is killing it?? Can you name me five notable deals they've worked on YTD? I would say there's room for independent advisors, but nowadays it's about whos got the balance sheet.

 
Best Response
HarvardOrBust:
Lol you point to one bank laying off and think that's the only bank doing it. Take a look across the street -- everyone is laying off, not just BAML. And you think Moelis is killing it?? Can you name me five notable deals they've worked on YTD? I would say there's room for independent advisors, but nowadays it's about whos got the balance sheet.

You're missing a huge piece of the picture. The firms with the most balance-sheet aren't justifying their cost of equity. Basel III and SIFI capitalization regulations offer no relief. Loss-leading lending therefore has a declining viability. They will all shrink headcount, because you can't grow revenue per employee by lending in this environment.

The proof is in the pudding. Lazard, Centerview, and Evercore are all growing their core recruiting school list. Goldman, Deutsche Bank, and the others are cutting core schools.

"There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat."
 
HarvardOrBust:
Lol you point to one bank laying off and think that's the only bank doing it. Take a look across the street -- everyone is laying off, not just BAML. And you think Moelis is killing it?? Can you name me five notable deals they've worked on YTD? I would say there's room for independent advisors, but nowadays it's about whos got the balance sheet.

okay so all the bbs are falling to shit. the exact reason why they are cutting down is because of their over levered balance sheets and their over hiring and high expenses (salaries!) with non profitable prop trading

irregardless of all that- i stated "Moelis is killing it":

this means that Moelis is expanding, Moelis is paying above street (70K base, 10k signing, middle bucket was 65K and top bucket was 75K performance bonus), they are developing GREAT relationships with target schools for future recruitment, they SUPPORT their analysts to get buy side positions, and are placing very well into buy side

if you want to work for the name on the card, go to a BB. if you want an experience at a firm that probably pays more, will not fire you based solely on market cyclical in a panic, is not shunning you for wanting to go to buyside...hell they help you with it! then that is what i mean by Moelis is killing it

let me preface that many people did not even get FT offers this year so congrats to those that did and anything is good in this market, BB or not, thankful for what i/everyone can get full time.

 
lasampdoria:
Have an interview next month in LA.

Major non-target in SoCal

for the AM division or IB? just asking bcuz your profile says AM intern..

I don't throw darts at a board. I bet on sure things. Read Sun-tzu, The Art of War. Every battle is won before it is ever fought- GG
 
newfirstyear:
LOL at this thread.

Citi and BAML DESTROY Guggenheim, not even worth comparing. It's so stupid I question whether you're a troll or not.

In adition, Guggenheim is not better than PJ, JEF, Stifel or UBS. And they will never be a Centerview, which is arguable better than all the banks I have mentioned.

Guggenheim is solid, but anyone who takes them over a BB is a moron.

Ok.

"Come at me, bro"- José de Palafox y Melci
 

I would be interested to hear of any potential exit opps as well. Small firm but strong and seasoned bankers. One might think that the MDs would go to bat for their analysts, but I haven't a clue.

 
TableTopper:
I would be interested to hear of any potential exit opps as well. Small firm but strong and seasoned bankers. One might think that the MDs would go to bat for their analysts, but I haven't a clue.

when i had their superday, this is what they told me would happen- MDs would go to bat (and i feel there could be validity to this being that the MDs i found on linkedin right now are all seasoned bankers from JPM/Bear Sterns or other top BBs/elite boutiques) if headhunters dont place analysts well enough...i wouldnt knw personally though, sorry...

id recommend making a new thread since no one seems to be responding lol

I don't throw darts at a board. I bet on sure things. Read Sun-tzu, The Art of War. Every battle is won before it is ever fought- GG
 
karypto:
Forbes January 17th Edition

...legit

I would pay you to rephrase that whole thing. I don't understand jack squat of it... lol

And are you asking like which city for division?? If yes, New York. If not, what?

EDIT: IBD? maybe?

It's what you put into it
 

Had some early interviews with them but ultimately accepted elsewhere (and withdrew from final rounds). I assume we are taking about IBD but Guggenheim is definitely legit, sounds like a good work environment (employees are friendly and excited about the future of the firm) with a lot of ex-BearStearns/JPM guys trying to build something new.

They definitely are not on the level of Greenhill, Moelis, Centerview as a boutique, but I think that is eventually the goal of the organization.

 
HeyBlondie:

I want to do S&T (specifically sales). I would love to work for Guggenheim Partners, because privately held, $$$ AUM, great salary, HQ in LA, great compensation, relaxing atmosphere, flexibility, etc. However, my best friend works at GP, and in all honesty, I wouldn't want to work under her (an opportuntity for awkward tension). Plus, it's sort of like sharing a dorm with your best friend in college--i.e. too much of a good thing, is never good. Anyway, I love her firm and just curious to know if there are similar firms out there? Relatively new to the game, so I'd appreciate the candid advice.

This is very odd. First, why does it matter how much AUM if you want to work in a sell side role (I'm guessing the sell side division of this legacy hedge fund). Second, this is not the best idea. Why would another buyside firm trust there is a real Chinese wall here between the hedge fund and the S&T side? Third, how do you know what the compensation is like? Fourth, are you sure you want to work East coast hours in LA? Fifth, why would you want to work on a sell side desk that is relaxed? There is likely very little flow if its truly so relaxed. Sixth, why would you NEED to work directly under your friend? Do they run only one team of sales people for every single asset class and product?

Sounds like you should rethink this whole thing.

 

Thanks for the input, but I should have better explained myself. First, I referred to the AUM as to suggest this firm is a very respected firm in LA and enjoys a certain level of prestige. Second, your comment confuses me. GP is an investment bank--not a hedge fund. Third, I asked my friend. Fourth, yes. I'm a morning person and I love CA. Not planning to move to NY any time soon (as in never). Fifth, in comparison to NY firms, CA firms enjoy more of a "beach/relaxing" life style. This does not mean that they don't work hard. Instead, it merely means that the "vibe" is different. For instance, I used to work for a large PE firm in CA and a friend worked in a similar gig in NY. She worked until 10 pm everyday whereas I got in the office around 8 and left around 6, usually to go to dinner with clients. I didn't need to wear a stuffy suit, but she did. I could have more leeway in terms of "how" I completed my work. Six, she works on the sell-side and in one capacity or another, I would either work under her or take orders. Plus, it's like living and working with your significant other. Sure you love them, but do you really want to see them ALL day, every day. Further, I'm sorta stubborn and independent and want to do "my own thing." I don't want to steal her thunder and ruin her gig at GP.

Sarah Ashley
 

IBs do not specifically have AUM. Only asset managers (likely Guggenheim's AM arm), HFs, the like. Also, I am not an expert on culture divides of the east and west, but I think you are generalizing in the culture of the two coasts. Have read a lot of firms on the WC that can be just as or more conservative than east.

Also, just because your friend works at GP doesn't mean that you'll work with them. Unless the position you are applying for is in her division? GP (from what I understand), is a decent sized company and not one where you can count its employees on your fingers.

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."
 
HeyBlondie:

I want to do S&T (specifically sales). I would love to work for Guggenheim Partners, because privately held, $$$ AUM, great salary, HQ in LA, great compensation, relaxing atmosphere, flexibility, etc. However, my best friend works at GP, and in all honesty, I wouldn't want to work under her (an opportuntity for awkward tension). Plus, it's sort of like sharing a dorm with your best friend in college--i.e. too much of a good thing, is never good. Anyway, I love her firm and just curious to know if there are similar firms out there? Relatively new to the game, so I'd appreciate the candid advice.

Small world - we know each other (vaguely). With that, I will try to address your concerns from what I know about you.

The typical "entry points" into an investment banking career are through either undergrad OCR or b-school OCR. It's difficult enough to break into IB from even a top-tier undergrad/b-school (most applicants obviously get turned down), but doing so outside of the typical and highly institutionalized recruiting pipeline is *highly improbable. IBs don't tend to post job vacancies on their website or Monster.com. Not sure if you were aware of this, but you should be.

*With that said, you have no relevant experience in IB or S&T, but you will be competing with lateral hires form other banks that do have relevant experience (ding). I thought about recommending you to talk to recruiters that specialize in finance, but I honestly don't think they will spend their time helping you over more qualified candidates.

*You currently work for a PE/VC firm and you want to want to work in IB. Typically, it works the other way around - most IB employees try to exit into a PE/VC firm, not the other way around. I suggest you have a good story to explain why (and saying that you are unsatisfied with your current employer will probably not fly, as most IB employees are pretty unsatisfied with their job, but stay anyway). Consider this a ding if you don't have a convincing story.

*Your academic background and work history suggest that you are not sure with what you want to do (another ding). You majored in bio, then decided not to pursue a career in biology, and then went to law school, then decided not to pursue a career in law, and ended up at a PE/VC firm. Now you would like to pursue a career in investment banking. Think about how that would come off to a potential recruiter. You may be sure about what you want to do, but there is no way you can convey that in a resume (or even in a cover letter, people only read that after they see your resume). Again, you will want to have a story to explain all this.

TLDR version - don't bother. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it's what you need to hear. The IB industry will bitch-slap you with cold, hard truth daily, so you might as well get used to it now. Good luck.

Man made money, money never made the man
 

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