14 Comments
 
bob_bsdOW is FO, GS is BO/MO. Even if you decide you want to do finance later on, you'll still be way better served working at OW. If you decide not to, OW has way better exit opps to PE, Corporate finance, F500, etc. than GS MO would
Agree. Also, the culture in Risk tends to be completely different from most FO groups - higher percentage of "normal" people. I'd choose OW if you have any inclination of making a career switch down the road. However, judging by your username, I have a feeling this debate may have ended before it even started
 

This is an easy one. You should go with OW. OW has more compensation potential down the road. The Exit Opps aren't even comparable. You probably have a better shot at IBD at GS coming from OW than from Risk Management at GS. Not even comparable if you're looking at PE, VC, Corporate Finance, etc. You'll also be able to do more interesting work, unless you enjoy Risk Management. You'll also create a stronger network at OW, and better prepare yourself for a top MBA down the line.

 
SlikRickThis is an easy one. You should go with OW. OW has more compensation potential down the road. The Exit Opps aren't even comparable. You probably have a better shot at IBD at GS coming from OW than from Risk Management at GS. Not even comparable if you're looking at PE, VC, corporate finance, etc. You'll also be able to do more interesting work, unless you enjoy Risk Management. You'll also create a stronger network at OW, and better prepare yourself for a top MBA down the line.

His tag says S&T. If his goal is to get into S&T, I can't imagine OW does a better job at getting him there. Not everyone wants to go down the PE/VC route. It seems a bit ridiculous for someone with no interest in this path to choose a job because it places better into it.

 
Best Response

While I agree with the general sentiment that OW is a better long term opportunity. To play devil's advocate, there may be some good reasons to choose GS. What type of risk management? Is it ERM type risk reporting because that is seriously BO and will take you nowhere. If it's trade floor market risk, you'll get tons of time with the FO quants and traders and will have some decent chances to move into S&T. I personally know people who have gone from trade floor risk to becoming traders and in one case, even sales. OW isn't going to give you the same opportunity.

Risk is highly underrated on these forums, but it can be very interesting and rewarding. I know a managing director in market risk at one of the big 5 canadian banks, and he makes well over 500K, working market hours, and he's only 35. On top of that his work is actually very stimulating and interesting.

-MBP
 

I think you are making a huge mistake here. Having worked in OW for five years, I can easily say that it's not a great place to work for. Work life balance is not good, and compensation doesn't reflect the work you'll do. I bet GS is a much better place to work for.Now, I want to get into IB, but it's definitely getting impossible.

Also, be more creative when you select your username next time and don't insult people for writing Search in your comments. That was the wisest answer so far, So don't be a lazy finance guy and just SEARCH.

I hope you take the right decision.

The orangutan who likes taking risks, passionate about all kind of risk management
 

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