Deciding between a few offers as a first year risk analyst

If you had to decide between going to a boutique IB but in an industry group that you ultimately would enjoy being in (healthcare) versus a MM firm in an niche industry group (think FIG/RE/O&G), what would you do? I am currently 1 year into my current risk role at a BB and was just given the offer to join a MM in a niche industry group vs. a solid healthcare boutique working on deals 50-300MM. I also have a third offer, which is to go to another lower-tier BB in ECM (not really considering this as I would ultimately have to get out of this and go to an industry group anyway to have any semblance of exit opps- correct me if I'm wrong here). I went to a target school and have a decent GPA if that helps clarify my background.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Long term goal is either business school or lateral to healthcare group in a BB.

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Best Response

I think that mostly depends on how you view the next job and how it fits in your life plan. If you're using IB as a stepping stone, then you may want to set yourself up by going to the more "prestigious" place; if you can see yourself building a career at whichever new place, you should choose the group you'd be happy in.

I lean more heavily towards choosing whatever resembles happiness in this industry i.e. at least a group you're fine with..

 

Thanks for the replies guys - much appreciated. Apologies if I'm being annoying, but do you have a specific reason in mind? I'm just struggling really hard with the decision of going to a MM firm with a balance sheet (but in an industry I don't see myself in long-term) vs. a boutique that focuses only on healthcare M&A. Deal flow is similar at each but the MM does have a slightly more global presence.

Also I agree happiness is important but I would gladly sacrifice that (at least in the short term...) to make a logical career decision. IB is definitely just a stepping stone, but I think my resume would tie together better if I joined a healthcare group (healthcare background, biology major, etc). I just want to make sure that people on the street (or at BBs where I want to lateral to) won't think I'm a complete fktard for choosing a boutique over a MM. Thanks for your input!

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