Alright, seriously now: Stop going to JP Morgan Houston
Another year, another set of interns and juniors fucked over. It is legitimately staggering how many people I know personally who have been fucked over. More than any other bank or group by a very wide margin. I get why people go there - deal flow is the best in the industry. Take a list of the biggest, most prominent, front page WSJ type energy deals in a given year and JPM will probably be on one side or the other. But...
- They routinely no-offer people who easily would have gotten offers at other banks. Not just one offs - think 50%+ of the class. And who wins and who loses is far more erratic than at other banks (where seniors are heavily deferential to the analysts/associates/VPs who are best positioned to give a good assesment of the interns). The entire future path of your career can come down to a handful of interactions with il Duce. Which leads to the next point...
- It's a totalitarian dictatorship led by a tyrant and his band of sycophants. People often compared Citi to Trauber's mini-fiefdom, which wasn't necessarily wrong. But Trauber was a fair monarch and ran his kingdom well. This is much differrent - if Game of Thrones were still culturally relevant i'd probably make a reference to it here. You can lead and get people to follow by being likable and fair, or you can get them to fear you. This is an example of the latter. And while favoritism is part of the industry and part of corporate life generally, it's over the top extreme in this group.
- Compensation is often randomly garbage. Almost immediately after new leadership arrived compensation for juniors was terrible and a large number of people left for greener pastures. If you dig back you can find these threads on WSO. The thought was that he was trying to clean house and push people out. True or not, that wasn't the last time it happened as you can see from recent threads.
- Layoffs are quick and aggressive at any sniff of a downturn. Often ahead of any other group in Houston, in spite of the excellent dealflow AND in spite of the already soul-crushing workload. Hard to say why exactly, but group heads generally have some power to push back. If they want to they can use their power to push and fight for their team and spare people. I'll leave it at that.
- The hours required are insane. Not much to elaborate on here - banking hours are all bad, some are horrific. Here they are horrific.
- Culture broadly is toxic. Previous themes play into this and it ultimately starts from the top. You aren't treated with respect or dignity. Again, this is commonplace in banking - some places treat you poorly, others treat you terribly. Here they treat you terribly.
- Add all of the above up and you get a group with extreme levels of turnover.
The above applies to both analysts and associates, but it's probably twice or three times as important for associates. Seriously, protect your career and future and sanity and don't take a summer offer at JP Morgan Houston. Go to literally any other bank in Houston. This is now worse than Jefferies Houston was back when everyone shit on Jefferies Houston. At least they gave you a return offer and paid you well after butt fucking you. The single most important part of your summer internship is securing a return offer. As dumb as it is, this stupid industry is like a club. Get an offer, get your hand stamped, and you're in the club and can stay in the club. You can bounce around forever if you want to. Get fucked over in your summer and you're facing a very steep hill to find your way back in.
Excellent content.
delete
Incorrect. Everyone barring one person got the return at my bank in Houston.
What bank?
Another thread mentioned Jefferies HOU
Half of their first years got a bonus of $10K. Tough scenes.
Intentionally anonymous. Credit Suisse gave 100% offers.
Both associate and analyst interns?
CS historically probably has the best offer rate in Houston
I use to work at JPM Houston, back when recent boss was just getting started at JPM. Nothing makes me happier than waking up to this post - it’s all true. Genuinely hope every prospect searching “JPM Houston” on Google comes across this thread. If only a post like this existed a few years back…
What was like it before latest boss came on board?
Wasn’t horror story bad. Knew a few guys that do A2A by choice. That doesn’t happen anymore lol
Agree - would have been very helpful. Glad someone took the time to add this on top of the few historical threads on this topic.
Currently a FTE in this office (leaving soon). Early in the summer, current boss literally said to the summer analysts and associates that “we have spots for everyone” but only half of the intern class were extended offers. This man is a lying bastard. UBS Houston is better than this dog shit group smh.
LOL he once told my class we were dispensable
Yea he's an alum of my 2000 person LAC (for reference my hit rate on networking emails was like 80%) and ghosted me when I reached out to him. Not surprised to hear he's -- mod redacted.
How is your hit rate so high?
Combination of the school having very, very loyal alumni + good outreach
NESCAC, Pomona or Davidson?
Looks like Trinity.
Tell us how you really feel op
I’ll chime in with a personal anecdote. Was networking with an associate who’s still there. I was asking about what they look for analysts/interns and this associate was just going on about how this one new analyst who he identified by name was better than every other analyst there. Showed how little camaraderie there is there. One of the weirdest conversations I’ve ever had.
The legend move would be 1 year at RBC Calgary followed by a couple at JPM Houston. Energy MDs are great dudes.
RIP
What makes this particular leadership so toxic? Who are these folks up top at the firm?
I will never not smile seeing JPM Houston slander. Glad it’s getting the terrible rep it deserves
Just found this post, does anyone have any more comments about JPM Houston? I accepted an offer for an internship there and I would like to know if the culture and the environment is the same in the office?
Culture is terrible. Know someone in the group. Hours are among the worst anywhere. People are very toxic and there is unbelievable turnover because of how brutal the seniors in the group are. Would not recommend anyone to join.
They have a bunch of UT people in their office. Can’t say I’m surprised the culture is toxic. Fuck that school.
Horns down /‘’\
.
Thank you for the input, hopefully my experience isn’t too bad, it’s my second internship while in college and I’m just looking for a return offer at this point.
hey there, is the internship you mentioned for 2024 with the ib group?
What are Houston banks that you’d recommend?
The culture in Houston banking is tough across the board. It really comes down to your own preferences and preferred verticals
European banks tend to have a better culture.
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