An old timer's thoughts on "Company X vs. Company Y vs. Company Z" posts and the like
I'm writing this post intending it as a public service announcement.
WSO boards are swamped with posts such as "I have an offer for job/internship from Company A and Company B. Which company is better/best....etc"
Framing a question this way is not constructive and misses the point, let alone that it assumes a set of objective criteria that are mostly irrelevant for the purposes of somebody getting their first job. Don't get me wrong - Yes, Goldman is a "better" company than some 2nd tier German bank. But it doesn't follow that it is the right place for you to start your career. There's a myriad of people around who started their careers from very unglamorous places and ended up doing great things and of course a myriad who started from the very top but didn't end so well.
Jobseekers, particularly coming out of undergrad (even MBAs) need to start seeing this otherwise the'yre setting themselves up for disappointment and misery.
Life works in mysterious ways and is certainly not linear or logical.
What keeps people in this business ultimately, is not what school they went to or where they started their first job. It's more to do with their attitude and mindset and perseverance.....and yes, a bit of luck, rather than anything else.
So next time you have two or three offers and you're trying to decide which one to go for, here is how I would approach it:
- DO NOT START A WSO POLL or POST asking strangers
- Try to think about where you would fit most. Surely you must have developed some sort of feel about each place and its people while you were interviewing
- Think about where you could thrive more and which place/people will likely support you more in the next couple of years
- Talk to people close to you that you trust their judgment
- Do not make a decision based solely on financial criteria. In fact, do not think about the money until you're in your 5th year or so as a professional.
I've been in this business for 30+ years. I've made more mistakes than I thought was possible. If I could do it, so can you! Trust me.
Good luck.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the advice here is clear and timeless: when deciding between offers, focus less on external validation or prestige and more on where you personally feel you can thrive. Here are the key takeaways:
Avoid Outsourcing Your Decision to Strangers: While WSO is a great resource, relying on polls or posts to make such a personal decision isn't ideal. Instead, trust your instincts and the impressions you formed during interviews.
Fit and Support Matter Most: Consider where you felt the best connection with the people and culture. A supportive environment can significantly impact your growth and success in the early years.
Seek Trusted Advice: Talk to mentors, family, or close friends who know you well and can provide objective guidance.
Don't Overemphasize Money Early On: Financial considerations are important, but they shouldn't dominate your decision-making at the start of your career. Focus on learning, growth, and building a strong foundation.
Success Isn't Linear: Your first job doesn't define your entire career. Attitude, perseverance, and adaptability often matter more than where you start.
Ultimately, the advice emphasizes self-awareness, long-term thinking, and trusting your gut over external noise.
Sources: Two Offers - Need Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/leave-pe-early-or-stick-it-out-2-years?customgpt=1, Getting an S&T Return Offer - A Survival Guide for Future Interns, Accepting TWO offers (one SA, one FT) during same year; date clash! Help!, Received offers from all three MBB firms and don't know what to do
Invaluable advice, thanks for sharing! Certainly been guilty of this mindset before
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