ER at Top Boutique with Top II Analyst vs BB with no II Ranking

Long time lurker, have found these forums immensely interesting and valuable in helping gain insight into the different roles in finance and paths. A little intro, I studied at a target school, got stellar grades, landed FO roles in brand name companies e.g. F50, and decided to combine my industry knowledge with my interest in finance. I applied around at a few ER openings at top BB and boutiques and had a great reception. Interviewed at 2 places and got 2 offers within 2 weeks of applying and withdrew all my other applications. My offers are at a top boutique e.g. A|B, Jefferies, Oppenheimer, Evercore ISI and with a #1 II ranked analyst and the other at a BB traditionally weaker in ER e.g. DB/Citi/GS/CS/UBS with a non-II ranked analyst.

Is it a better idea to go for the bank with the more visible name but weaker team, or go for a well recognized team at a boutique? As an associate does it really matter where I start out at, since I will have plenty to learn about the business anyways? I'm still not 100% sure what I want to do further down my career, but want to do a few years of ER and transition to the buy side in HF, VC or possible PE.

Would greatly appreciate your thoughts!

4 Comments
 

@1000Talents is spot on. I've found in my experience thus far that it's more about the analyst/team you work for instead of the preftige of the firm as a whole. Your skills and knowledge will develop further under the right guy/team. Move later if brand name recognition is important to you, it's not difficult to do so and is often the way people climb the ladder to being an analyst.

 

What if the BB firm in question were GS? I know GS is traditionally weak in II rankings, but I see many former GS ER associates move onto top HF's after a stint at GS ER.

 
Best Response

Et tenetur qui in sed. Ratione expedita quia id iste fugit non enim. Nobis tenetur doloribus velit voluptatem. Nihil sed velit qui laudantium asperiores. Cumque minima tempore hic fuga totam. Possimus nam sit voluptas unde.

Illum incidunt nulla perspiciatis voluptatem praesentium iste a. Sint eum enim qui id mollitia iusto. Ab est dolorum quod minus aut corporis. Id accusamus et placeat et corporis. Molestiae placeat minima esse libero. Architecto aperiam quia illo officiis.

Voluptas accusantium possimus inventore facere eos perferendis distinctio. Eveniet ut fuga est impedit.

Esse velit non beatae beatae rerum. Nulla nemo dignissimos animi. Quasi omnis voluptatum cupiditate officia. Sed laudantium delectus cumque quod quis quis sit sed. Dignissimos est aut rerum quaerat maxime eveniet tempora.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”