BNP Paribas vs Lincoln International

Firstly, congrats on the offers. I would say go with Lincoln International for a few reasons. Good culture and much stronger deal flow then BNP in terms of U.S. deal flow. BNP does not really have much of a U.S. presence at this point. In terms of exit opps, Lincoln will provide better U.S. exit opps both into MM PE and B- School if you’re looking at exiting into those.

Lincoln by far. Lincoln is a solid MM shop. Deal flow / PE placement slightly below Harris Williams / William Blair but probably on par with Baird.

Don't think BNP is capable of doing M&A...

Hm. Thanks for the inputs - when I went to the superday, it seemed like they were really building out their M&A and IB platform (they brought an MD & a director from CS). I was also considering BNP for the growth and the brand name

I would go with Lincoln, deal flow has been pretty strong recently and they’re for sure on the upswing and a bank which is really growing. They also place pretty well into PE. BNP just does not really have a brand name in the U.S. and really isn’t a player in the M&A space in the States.

Lincoln is a top MM IB with great MM PE exit opps and from what I hear people apparently swear by its culture. It also seems to have picked up a lot recently. They also have some cool programs for analysts it seems like. My advice - talk to people at both places and see what is a better fit for you but it seems like Lincoln is a no-brainer.

Lincoln International will provide you with a better experience.

In Europe this would be a no brainer in favor of BNP. However, Lincoln seems very strong in MM in the US and BNP seems to struggle. I would pick Lincoln

OP - I would suggest going with BNP. BNP is a 2-trillion dollar bank with BB-status in EMEA and APAC. As this is only an SA role, your not going to get a ton of deal experience so stick with the brand name. It will make your life much easier when you are trading up for a FT role.

Also, unless you are dead set on a career in the US for life, which at your age you shouldn't be (especially since the majority of the economic growth you will see in your generation is going to be overseas), BNP opens many many more doors - this is coming from someone who has worked across 3 continents.

And when it comes to B-schools, BNP (and possibly a stint overseas) will make you much more attractive to any M7 school than a standard MM investment banker.

This one is a no brainer, go with Lincoln International you would be crazy not to. BNP does not really do any M&A deals in the States at the moment. You won’t be getting much deal experience. If you were doing your summer in London things would definitely be different. If you’re are trying to move to a BB full time it will be much easier with Lincoln International because of the strong experience you will be getting this summer as an SA. They also have a much stronger brand name in the U.S. and are experiencing strong growth at the moment. If you’re looking to stay there I have heard that people swear by their culture in a good way.

A friend of mine worked for BNP in a junior level position and did not like it and tried to switch. He found it very hard to find another job, and did not get a BB or MM job. He had to settle working for a small, and not well known start up boutique, because BNP is just not a brand in the U.S. Lincoln has that brand in the States which is important in terms of any exit, whether it be PE, BB or B-school.
Lincoln is the way to go on this one; it’s going to lead to a better experience and better exits.

Wow. Seems like Lincoln is the way to go - thanks everyone! More perspective is always welcomed

Signed with Lincoln!

Congratulations! I am pretty sure you made the right choice

Congrats. I will be speaking with Lincoln soon. This thread has been encouraging.

BNP has a strong reputation worldwide + ranked #1 in french M&A advisory --> Pick BNP especially if you want to move to Europe or Asia in the future