Pacific Crest Securities: recruit, comp?

Posted this on research board, but it is pretty dead...

Their website says they've got the top ranked tech sales trading group and a top tech research group. They also have a bunch of IPO deals listed (some bad ones like zillow, but some good ones too). Has anyone heard of them, worked with them, have any idea where they recruit, comp, etc?

54 Comments
 

They're in my neck of the woods, but I don't think they have a formal recruiting process. Not a top drawer shop, but probably best in the PNW. People from my school go there with some frequency, but they seem to take most PNW/cali schools. Are you from the PNW by any chance (you can PM me if you don't wanna reveal your location online).

Pretty women make us BUY beer. Ugly women make us DRINK beer.
 

they are pretty small with a lot ipo co-manager roles. If you want to do cap market, it wouldnt be a bad place to go to but you won't be going to buyside after (or, really hard to get to buyside)

 
Ricqlesthey are pretty small with a lot ipo co-manager roles. If you want to do cap market, it wouldnt be a bad place to go to but you won't be going to buyside after (or, really hard to get to buyside)

^^This. They have been on a few more M&A deals and other advisory transactions as of late, but not anywhere near the other top mm players in the tech space. exit opps are most likely another bank

 
Best Response

I worked in their equity research dept. for a few years and really enjoyed it. Their whole research team is in Portland, OR and most of their sales, trading and IB as well. Their company culture is the main selling point and the firm is well known for it's high quality research. It's a tech boutique so the sectors analysts cover are very myopic and they really are experts at their small spaces. The pay isn't spectacular in equity research for an associate, but the cost of living is much lower in Portland and it's a unique opportunity in that city. Investment banking seems to be compensated a bit better, probably because they've done so well the past two years. It's an excellentnplace to work, but it depends on what culture you are looking for. Everyone is friendly and a bit more laid back than some of the firms in other cities, but you obviously won't get paid the same either.

 

Hey klm, would you mind if I PM you regarding pacific crest ER? I'm from Portland and am really interested in ER and would love to stay home and work there.

Also, sorry to highjack OP (I answered your other thread in job search). If you have questions about Portland, hit me up.

Pretty women make us BUY beer. Ugly women make us DRINK beer.
 

Damn, looks like I need to head out right now, I'll Pm you tomorrow. Sorry about that!

Pretty women make us BUY beer. Ugly women make us DRINK beer.
 

Hey KLM,

Would you also mind if I PM'ed you? I just had coffee with someone at Pacific Crest and am very interested in learning more, for potentially applying in the future. Are you still working in finance in the Portland area?

Thanks in advance!

 

WTF is the purpose of posting your question in the original (and recent) thread, if you're just going to post a thread with literally the exact same title to ask your question.

Typical WSO courtesy is to limit the amount of redundant threads (that's why "Use the search function" is probably the single most repeated phrase on this site).

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/pacific-crest-securites

“Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do”
 

I've come to learn that the search function sucks on this site. I can't sort by most recent? Why the hell not? Always end up pulling threads from '07 talking abt bear sterns SA offers and other shit threads

 
KelleyStudent12I've come to learn that the search function sucks on this site. I can't sort by most recent? Why the hell not? Always end up pulling threads from '07 talking abt bear sterns SA offers and other shit threads

Hey fuckwad what does "filter by post date" mean?

 

They do exclusively tech. Also have an active research and S&T wing. Interviews are pretty standard (basic i-banking DCF/valuation related questions.) Make sure you can show you have a passion for tech and that you are aware about what's going on in the tech industry. Also, if you're interviewing for their portland office, make sure you have a good story as to why you're cool with living in Portland, as they have a problem with turnover because people get bored getting stuck in the Northwest.

"Yes. Money has been a little bit tight lately, but at the end of my life, when I'm sitting on my yacht, am I gonna be thinking about how much money I have? No. I'm gonna be thinking about how many friends I have and my children and my comedy albums."
 

Before I give my input I need some more information. First, what is your location? ...and second do you have an offer from both or is this a hypothetical question? I know PCS well, and if you are not comfortable answering my question on the board you can PM me.

"Don't touch the watch." -Patrick Bateman U AWARE BRAH? bankers gonna bank \o/ Trance Crew \o/
 

sorry cant send PM's don't have the banana points but thanks for taking the time,

Have both offers, JPM and PCS in NYC. Want to go to the west coast after graduating (SF or LA not Portland), which is what initially attracted me to them. Any idea on their SA>FT conversion rates. Most concerned with this vs a BB like JPM.

Are their offices equally strong? or is SF and Portland markedly better?

You can feel free to reply in the message body or on the thread. Whichever you prefer. Thanks again bro.

 

I'm from the NW and Pac Crest is a solid shop for sure. I think it comes down to what you want to do: ER or IBD. Keep in mind, however, that at Pac Crest, you won't just be doing M&A necessarily. It's a boutique, so you'll also work on IPOs, etc. The hours also aren't so great from the people I spoke with that work there despite it's size (could be a good thing as it means they get deal-flow).

Sorry I can't be more helpful, but I thought I'd throw that out there in case it's of any use whatsoever lol.

 

Did you get my PM op? Also, after you have 10 bananas you can PM.

"Don't touch the watch." -Patrick Bateman U AWARE BRAH? bankers gonna bank \o/ Trance Crew \o/
 

Really cool shop, one of the few true boutiques I would ever even consider at this point.

Heard some of their analysts in SF were paid above street last summer, but that was an unsubstantiated rumor. A lot stronger in SF and Portland than in NY.

“Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do”
 

I also just interviewed in their Portland office, I was wondering if anyone had any insight on their firm as well? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

They seem to be doing well right now, look at the link below. Seems like a huge add to the team. Looking at their recent tombstones, they have closed some large scale transactions over the past year or two. Probably a place to get some good experience but I would still be skeptical of buyside exit opps.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pacific-crest-securities-adds-co-head-…

 

[quote=SHORTmyCDO]They seem to be doing well right now, look at the link below. Seems like a huge add to the team. Looking at their recent tombstones, they have closed some large scale transactions over the past year or two. Probably a place to get some good experience but I would still be skeptical of buyside exit opps.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pacific-crest-securities-adds-co-head-…]

Woah, was weird to see someone I recognized. I interviewed with those guys at Sagent a while back, other guy is now head of Tech at Harris Williams I believe. Damn, Sagent must have been even better than I thought (and I thought well of them already).

Nice pickup for Pacific Crest.

“Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do”
 

How did you apply for this/get interview. I am interested in hearing...PM me and we can talk.

Here to learn and hopefully pass on some knowledge as well. SB if I helped.
 

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