DECISION To MAKE: 1st year Analyst offer at a six-man Lower MM boutique IB or do a Top MSF program?

I am a 24-year-old who recently graduated from a non-target with a major in finance and a minor in economics; 3.6 GPA and have been interning at a <10-man lower MM boutique IB firm since last summer. Before this, I interned at two search funds.

The firm has a solid deal flow, and I am staffed on all their deals. I recently offered me a full-time job offer to be their very first and sole analyst. I am grateful for the opportunity and worked hard for it, but my ultimate goal is to work at a MM firm and later make the switch to PE.

I am also applying to round 4 at a couple of master in finance programs that place well in IB. I received GMAT waivers for two of these programs, so I am confident if I write a stellar essay, get my recommenders to write me Greta letters of recommendation, and give a killer interview - I'll be admitted to one of these MSF programs and be able to rebrand myself and break into a MM firm.

  • Should I forget the MSF, save the money, and accept the analyst offer, or should I do the MSF? Would working as an analyst at my current firm make it harder for me to pivot to middle-market IBs and, ultimately, MM PE firms?

Looking forward to reading what you guys think would be best. Thanks!

Comments (5)

Most Helpful
5d 
John Dutton the Rancher, what's your opinion? Comment below:

IB market is absolute dog shit right now. I'd take the job offer, stay for a year and then pivot to any Middle-Market bank. Those students doing a MSF are SOOO fucked when it comes to IB recruiting this upcoming year..Save yourself the trouble and take the offer. 

  • 3
5d 
analystfirstyear, what's your opinion? Comment below:

John Dutton the Rancher

IB market is absolute dog shit right now. I'd take the job offer, stay for a year and then pivot to any Middle-Market bank. Those students doing a MSF are SOOO fucked when it comes to IB recruiting this upcoming year..Save yourself the trouble and take the offer. 

Agreed. The LMM experience would look better anyways than a MSF. Plus, you are making money vs paying tuition

  • Intern in IB - Gen
5d 

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