Elite Boutique/MM vs. Satellite BB?

Hey guys, incoming junior at a target school exploring summer 2018 options in Chicago. I'm trying to get a gauge on how elite boutique and middle market firms with significant Chicago presences stack up against BB satellite offices in terms of deal experience and exit opportunities. (WB, Baird, Lazard, Greenhill, Lincoln vs. DB, Barclays, BAML and the like) Thanks!

8 Comments
 

Choose what makes you feel the most comfortable, they say the culture is better at boutiques and you have more opportunities to have a say or have an important role, the role of going to a BB means that have you have consistent deal flow.

...
 

Can you please elaborate on why? I figured that it would be easier to exit to PE here in NY from a MM instead of being at a regional office, moving internally to the city, and then trying to exit.

 

Depends on the MM...

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 
chicandtoughness

Depends on the MM...

It's an upper MM. Think along the lines of Piper/RBC/Wells.

My main concern is the exit opps (i.e., the location being far from NY), but it's hard to turn down an offer at a top BB (GS/MS). Also spoke to a couple of analysts and though they were of course biased, am not convinced that exit opps exist in NY.

Any idea how MBA apps view international experience?

 

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