Hedge Fund (NYC) v. Boutique IB (SF)

Have an offer from a top-ranked hedge fund in NYC and a boutique IB in SF for summer analyst 2019 (junior year internship). My dilemma mostly surrounds

  • exit opportunities - Not sure whether I want to close that off immediately. May want to exit to a corporate in healthcare or tech in the future (5-10y down the road). SF has strong groups in both MM healthcare and tech, but unsure what the exit opportunities from an HF looks like to corporate roles. Could anyone enlighten me on this front?

  • learning/responsibility assumption - boutique IB is famous for high deal flow and high responsibility accorded to analysts (many speak directly with executives and management from day 1) with meritocratic culture. From interviews however it felt like the HF generally had sharper, smarter people who were more passionate about their work and willingness to collaborate and learn. I come from a non-finance background (life sciences) and would appreciate a supportive work environment as I learn the reins for the markets - not sure which environment is better for that.

Both firms have nearly 100% return offer acceptance rates and take the overwhelming majority of their intern class into analyst roles. Comparative compensation and work-life balance. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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