BB IB or Tier 1 LO

Currently doing an MBA and was fortunate enough to get offers to a BB IB and Tier 1 LO as a summer MBA intern. I previously worked as an associate at a small AM shop but had no upside so decided to take a career break and pursue an MBA

I know Tier 1 LOs are typically considered the 'exit' and wlb is definitely much better than wlb at IB. Tier 1 LOs are also insanely competitive and have a lot less seats than IB, so passing on this option doesn't feel good. On the other hand, IB also has much greater exit opps to PE/HF etc. Trying to make a decision based on future comp, career progression etc. Genuinely not sure which option to choose so would appreciate any thoughts.

9 Comments
 

This is a question that only you can answer. Do you want to do IB with potential exit ops to corporates / PE / HF or do you want to be a long term investor. If you want to be a long term investor, you should do the LO seat (1) those seats don’t come up that often and it’ll be very hard to move from IB to LO at the mid level (2) you’ll be taking a discount to comp for years but over time, you’ll make it up in the long run if it’s a top brand name shop. 

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on BB IB vs a shop like Blue Owl out of undergrad? 

 

Agree with the above, but will say I had a conversation with a blue owl guy in RE, and he was a total ass. Completely unengaged and non passionate about anything. Asked some v basic questions like "why did you choose blue owl" and "what guides and differentiates Blue Owl's investment process vs other firms" and was replied with "cause I got the job through my past coworker" and "Nothing really, BX, Ares, KKR we are all the same"... Like dam bro, at least try and have a conversation if you are going to set up a call, what's the point of even being like that lol

 

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