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!
I work in ER at one of the boutiques you listed. Take the better analyst and team. You'll learn more and if you want prestige down the road it's fairly easy to move as an associate.
@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.
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