I visited last fall for MBA associate recruiting. They have about 30 bankers in Menlo Park. My impression was that they were mostly involved in financing deals that were led by other banks. They also had a way earlier timeline than everybody else, hinting that they struggle competing with other banks for talent. That being said, everyone I met there was pretty chill and nice.

Bonus for their brand new SF office. My understanding is it’s mainly for clients, but some bankers choose to work primarily out of SF instead of MP.

 

How's the Industrials culture these days? Group heads and some other MDs left

 

Industrials and Technology are the 2 worst groups in Barclays (in terms of culture)

It's not about lack of deal flow, it's that the MD/VP level guys are very unforgiving, creating an absolutely brutal culture. I've seen several (more than 3) first year analysts brought to tears in a conference room in industrials and for tech, I've seen some analysts downright demand a change in groups to HR, because they just couldn't handle it

It's funny because a lot of incoming undergrads love "Tech" in general, so they target Barclays' Tech group, only to get soul-crushed with some of the shittiest culture in the bank. Those 2 groups have the highest turnover in the bank (alongside FIG) for reference.

 
Most Helpful

Listen to the comment above. Avoid avoid avoid Barclays technology.

In NYC, you will get a lot of M&A and LBO financing experience. Especially with new senior hires, Barclays has one of the best BB NYC Tech groups. You'll learn an incredible amount and exit ops will be great.

However, hours will be extremely tough(90-100 hour weeks for months in a row), senior people treat you with no respect, and you will never have time to yourself. There is also a massive drug culture in this group, worse than any other I've seen on the street. Coke, Addy, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Xanax, Oxy, really all of it. Drug abuse is normalized and openly encouraged, so expect to walk away with a few addictions.

 

I can confirm the drug use, I would think these guys are pharma bankers not tech ones judging by the number of prescription drugs in their desks. I guess going on cocaine and alcohol binges helps them deal with the stress.

Deal flow is strong, especially for an NYC tech group. Barclays seems to be grabbing market share from the faltering european bulge brackets (CS, UBS).

I have heard that the new group head is somewhat working to improve the culture. Other hires are also a positive sign for the outlook of the group, but may cause heavy pitching initially.

 

CMG and FIG have great deal flow, absolutely take them over Tech or Industrials.

 

Is Menlo like this too? Was thinking of applying there and talked to some people and didn’t seem like it

 

Currently an analyst with BarCap. If I had to pick one thing to highlight - culture is great. Staffer really cares for you and makes sure of your well-being.

Menlo Tech team is run by the Head of Tech IB who's based there. NYC Tech team, however, is run by the Head of TMT who used to run Consumer, that's why Menlo and NYC Tech group each has their own culture. Heard the current Head of TMT was hired from Consumer just to improve the group culture and people were sad that he left Consumer since he is a great guy. Deal flow is great, Barc tech isn't the same as 3-4 years back, the firm is doing really well across semi, internet, software, enterprise infra/tech. Lots of M&As. Hours definitely not great but Saturday is very protected. Group head also gave the team a protected memorial and july 4th weekend.

Know a couple mid-level (ass, vp) bankers got pushed out last year due to consecutive complaints from juniors - meaning that senior folks actually care and listen to you when your superior is being the a-hole

M&A done in-house by coverage banker in this group, you will get a lot of exposure to hands-on modeling and general M&A process work. Can't think of anything bad bes ides Menlo is a boring area and office isn't as nice as the SF one, and only $25 dinner stipend which can be used only if it is "delivered" to your home address... the rationale they gave is that we are working from home now

 

Any additional info on NYC vs Menlo? Looking for more info in terms of deal flow / exits from each. Which is better overall? 

 

Eos sit eligendi neque hic veritatis minus eveniet. Vel ut ipsam qui omnis consequatur vel. Illum ex sit consequuntur iusto eum quia.

Officia repellendus beatae pariatur dolorem. Maxime quidem vel ullam voluptates sit totam. Ad alias placeat tempore perspiciatis ipsum qui itaque. Autem cupiditate delectus libero officia distinctio.

Iusto maiores voluptas est ut tempore ad perferendis. Dicta a hic natus numquam quia dolor. Cupiditate veniam consequatur dolorem tenetur. Pariatur quod eaque et eaque occaecati molestiae.

Soluta minima animi et vel voluptatibus nulla. Ea non dicta harum vel non similique distinctio. Voluptate voluptate ducimus et sit. Quos et quisquam laudantium est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”