18 Comments
 

My career goals are either career banker or exit to corp dev. Not particularly focused on a single industry and like the idea of a generalist model to start (esp with the addition of RX experience at Moelis). Really enjoyed the people I met at both firms, which has made this particularly difficult. 

 
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"MBA at Wharton/Stern" C'mon haha 

But at this point, out of your MBA, you should be considering long-term and if you can reasonably sustain the hours that Moelis requires of you. In addition, the pay is not THAT different, which is why you see a lot of people choose to go to shops like WB because of similar pay and better hours. I'd personally take Guggenheim, if you plan on making a career of this.

 

Tough decision. This site will likely steer you towards Moelis even though the hours are tough. Moelis will give you access to a wider range of deals and they'll generally be larger than Gugg deals. That's just facts. 

However, I agree with the above poster. Coming out of MBA, find a place where you can see yourself for a long time. The difference in money at the two firms will be inconsequential. Something worth figuring out is what % of MBA associates make it to VP or D. 

 

I thought Moelis has industry groups - maybe i’m wrong. From when i was talking to them, a lot of their deals were sponsor backed - so pretty intense clients. I think brand name among the two is probably comparable to people outside finance, so probably is a wash.

Don’t make a decision on comp.

Suggest you find alumni who’ve worked at both places to get their unvarnished views. Maybe current employees as a back up.

My sense is if you’re pretty intense and want to get the most experience (and are willing to work hard), go to Moelis. Guggenheim probably gives more longevity.

 

I definitely value a slight increase in WLB over the marginal increase in the "prestige" of Moelis. However, I get the impression that hours at Guggenheim may be similar to Moelis when it comes down to it. The bullpen at Moelis seems like a fun place to work. I wish there was a way to get more insight into the benefits (i.e. office, location, gym in the building, meal stipend, etc.)

It's near impossible to find someone who has worked in both firms given Guggenheim's recent rise. Many of the people I talk to haven't been able to give me any sort of read on Guggenheim actually. It seems that many people that I have reached out to have opinions on Moelis, but don't have any experience to back it up (for example, lots of 2Ys who point out that they hear "the hours are tough").  

 

MBAssociate

I definitely value a slight increase in WLB over the marginal increase in the "prestige" of Moelis. However, I get the impression that hours at Guggenheim may be similar to Moelis when it comes down to it. The bullpen at Moelis seems like a fun place to work. I wish there was a way to get more insight into the benefits (i.e. office, location, gym in the building, meal stipend, etc.)

It's near impossible to find someone who has worked in both firms given Guggenheim's recent rise. Many of the people I talk to haven't been able to give me any sort of read on Guggenheim actually. It seems that many people that I have reached out to have opinions on Moelis, but don't have any experience to back it up (for example, lots of 2Ys who point out that they hear "the hours are tough").  

Theres gotta be alumni at each of these places. Try to talk to them.

But pick the place where you like the people the most. Comp benefits etc are secondary imo.

 

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