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This would be a great question to ask once (and by once I mean if) you actually have offers from both

But if you want a sparknotes answer: Boutiques = better pay, probably better culture, more focus on m&a exposure. BB = more recognizable brand outside of finance, work across multiple products, probably less pay for less hours (depending on group). Same old stuff that’s been repeated on here time and time again but the above generalities do hold some truth.

 

GS>MS=JPM >>>>>>>>> EVR/PJT/CVP
Only caveat would be PJT RX which is the top place to be if you want to exit to a distressed/special sits fund

 

Disagree. Purely in terms of brand name and exit opps, maybe. But when factoring in comp, culture and overall experience this is less straight forward than your comment says it is

 
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The fact of the matter is that what you want from your analyst experience are deal flow and future career opportunities. The 50k and nicer office is a marginal factor at this level unless you want to stay in Banking.
Having talked to the top HHs about this (KEA, Blackwood etc.), they were very clear about their strong preference for BBs in London, e.g. if they were to create a shortlist of 15 candidates for a MF, they might have one/two spots for all of Lazard/RS/US EBs (certain funds will treat Lazard(/RS) as BBs). This is because funds want candidates with a very formalized learning experience and guaranteed deal exposure, something that firms like Centerview and PJT M&A simply cannot guarantee. Evercore has stronger deal flow but primarily in the mid-market which is why they have had some good MM PE exits recently. Apparently, FIG and Utilities are good teams.

 
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Just to clarify, there's no such thing as 'PJT M&A' at the junior level - it's a generalist program and so analysts have a very strong deal exposure. Especially right now, with so much cross selling between Rx and M&A teams. Headhunters leave 2 spots per 15 because that's how many applicants there are proportionally, since the BB classes are far bigger.

Though in general you are right, it's easier to exit from a GS/JP/MS, but good analysts from anywhere will place into MFs - PJT for example has several examples of this despite most of the class being interested in distressed recruiting. Not to mention that PE recruiting in the UK is nothing like the US - definitely not as lucrative or sought after either.

There isn't a right answer for this, you can choose your own career path regardless of where you start. The BB brand names are of course unbeatable but you will likely be happier / more fulfilled at the boutiques. It's not as clear cut as you're trying to make it out to be. 

 

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