This is only for summer (I am a junior). Not sure where I want to go long-term, but that's not the concern right now. Right now I just want that BB FT Analyst role, (if it's even possible at this stage).

 

I agree with you wholeheartedly. But it seems like the OP doesn't really know what he/she wants except that he/she wants to work FT at a BB. In that case, I think the skills you learn in IB are more transferable into many different fields. Of course, this is with the caveat that the boutique IB holds a reputation.

 

Honestly, both are great choices. If you want to best position yourself from a learning prospective and seeing all sides of the table, go to the boutique first. If you're looking to coast through your pre-MBA years, stick with the PE firm. Certainly can't go wrong.

~~~~~~~~~~~ CompBanker

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

Could the more experienced PE guys please comment here on the feasibily of "moving up" in terms of fund sizes and preftige? My understanding is that you'd actually be in a much better position to go to a mega fund in the mid-term by entering via BB M&A, although I've seen Directors at large funds that came from "atypical" non-BB backgrounds (could be a function of newly founded PE firms being creative about finding staff when the industry expanded back in the day, though).

 
Best Response
m2:

Could the more experienced PE guys please comment here on the feasibily of "moving up" in terms of fund sizes and preftige? My understanding is that you'd actually be in a much better position to go to a mega fund in the mid-term by entering via BB M&A, although I've seen Directors at large funds that came from "atypical" non-BB backgrounds (could be a function of newly founded PE firms being creative about finding staff when the industry expanded back in the day, though).

Only 25% of BB analysts end up moving to the buyside.

That number would probably be comparable at a top boutique, and significantly lower at a smaller boutique, and the analysts there would probably go to mm or lower mm pe firms if at all.

I think it depends on the quality of the experience and whether you feel you could get in to a decent business school after a year or two at this place. From there, things could open up more significantly and potentially to better firms.

Whatre the profiles of these 2 firms?

“...all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” - Schopenhauer
 

It definitely depends on the firm. Also, something to consider is the amount of training you would receive at both. It is hard to move up to larger funds without the IBD experience. Most of the lateraling would be mostly network related. Location is also another factor. IE, if you're working for a $75MM fund in Charlotte, don't get your hopes up on moving to a $500MM fund in NYC, unless you've got some stellar networking skills or generate a deal at your current fund.

Depends on the deal size and flow at the boutique, but if the boutique has a good reputation and people have heard of it, probably better to go with that route. Although your work life balance will be different.

Play the long game - give back, help out, mentor - just don't ever forget where you came from. #Bootstrapped
 

Agree with seabird and EightAceTres. The quality of your experience is what truly matters...though, that can be hard to judge up front.

Regards

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