Energy IB in Houston or Corporate Banking in NY?

Title explains the situation I'm currently in. I have a decent GPA (3.6/4.0) but at a non-target in Texas. I had the opportunity to speak to a campus recruiter at a MM bank about several positions they're looking to fill. Based on my previous corporate banking internship the recruiter suggested I apply for their corporate banking analyst job in NY (~$120k salary), but they also mentioned since I live in Texas I could also wait for their recruiting cycle that takes place soon for Energy Investment Banking in Houston (~$140k salary). Although on paper I'm a better fit for corporate banking, I'm much more interested in IB. I don't have significant energy experience but I know where and how to gain the information I need to prepare for a Superday in energy to be a suitable candidate. Given I plan on going for my MBA in 4-5 years, am I shooting myself in the foot by staying in a volatile group that's extremely niche (commodities), or should I use that experience to recruit for IB post MBA? I don't plan on staying in energy for more than 5 years, and I'm a Texas native so I do have a networking advantage as well. For further context, I would be gambling an opportunity at Houston because the recruiter said I'd be a better fit in NY than in Texas based on the role, but if I network and study as rigorously as I already have then I don't doubt my ability to prepare for a position like that. It's added risk if I come back to the recruiter and let her know I withdrew my application for NY and want to talk to the Houston group, but the odds still favor me since I'm already based in Texas. What would you do in my position taking everything into account (including cost of living, single and young, MBA later down the line, and opportunity cost)? Thanks to everyone in advance.

Edit 1:
IB is my goal, I want to do sell-side then move to buy-side, but not sure if doing do with an energy background would help. Eventual goal is to move away from energy and into a generalist PE role.

 
Most Helpful

Totally incorrect, similar to the notion that energy IB can’t place in non-energy PE. Not your fault for thinking this as it is a common message on this site for some reason but ask a current Houston analyst if they feel stuck in energy forever and they will say no (including myself)

 

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