Did I go off the Beaten Path too Early? Need Advice

I'm currently a senior at a target school. Was never one to care much about brand name and cared a lot more about gaining as much experience as I can. Have done internships at very reputable boutiques (not EBs) and will be headed to a reputable boutique as well for fulltime (think Dyal, Foros, Broadhaven). Ended up choosing the firm bc of how great the team is and the traction the firm is getting but ended up turning down a BB and EB offer in the process. I do want to pursue PE in 2-3 years at an UMM ideally doing either buyout or growth equity (ok with MM or megafund as well). Given that my firm doesn't have the prestige and brand name as a GS or Moelis and so much of recruiting is driven by headhunters, I am wondering if I have effectively shot myself in the foot by going off on my own so early?

For those wondering why I turned down the better-known firms, the firm I joined has much greater upside and exposure to the senior guys who are all top-notch with some opportunities to do principal investing work, which I felt to be more valuable. I also got final rounds for PE analyst programs at several firms at the megafund and UMM level so I had hoped that I would be still competitive come associate recruiting...

6 Comments
 

I think you are doing quite well. Your logic resonates with me. Obviously, you cannot say life would be better or worse if you were at BlackRock or GS. Up to you to make this decision the right one!

 
Most Helpful

Since you have already made the decision I would not fret about the past anymore. At a shop like Dyal your opportunities to exit might not be as frequent but will surely be of quality.

Array
 

Pariatur corporis odit dolorem eligendi. Repudiandae iste aut sed inventore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”