Top IB vs Straight to HF

I'm 100% set on HF but I've accepted a SA offer with GS TMT for next summer. I'm pretty sure I could hit the ground running at a HF from day one and I'm already confident in my technical skills. I could probably snag myself a full time offer at a top LO (Fidelity/TRowe/D&C) or MM HF if I really went for it.

What is the move here? I feel like GS opens up a lot of opportunities but honestly not looking forward to turning comments at 2am...

 

GS TMT has placed straight into top HFs after a 2 year analyst stint. Do GS not just for the branding but the class/alum network

 

No cuz this is one factor I'm considering. Is building a solid foundation in IB better than maximizing time spent in markets? I know investing is hard so I want to optimize my early career as much as possible but maybe that means pushing out the point where I start getting judged on pnl

 

If you want to work in HF directly and have a solid offer at a SM fund then go for it. Nobody ever wishes they were up at 3am changing the shade of blue on a PowerPoint.

But if it's a MM or startup fund, then stick to GS. Yeah it sucks short term but the network you build and the name brand will open any SM door you want. Direct placement happens pretty often, but if not then bschool or PE and you'll get in.

There's no rush to the buyside, only do it if you have a solid SM spot.

 

Would recommend IB only if the LOs in this case were "no-name" which hampers exit options in case you wanna change later. Those shops u mentioned have strong brands (and strong training in my exp). Also, the earlier u start in public equities, the earlier you build your 7-10 year track record so you can raise your own fund. 

Wouldn't recommend MM given low survival rates and bad consistency of training across different teams. Unless you love the MM career, go to MM. Else, go to LO. 

 

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