GS IBD vs. MS IBD Summer 2021

Hey all! I've been fortunate enough to receive offers from both MS and GS from their IBD divisions for summer 2021. I currently have an offer extended for particularly Industrials at GS while at MS I would have to network into specific groups (but I have had quite a few people reach out to me from M&A and feel I would have a strong chance getting into the group). In terms of various factors, such as future PE/HF placement, overall culture, prestige, etc., I was wondering if anyone could share some insights as to which role might best position me in terms of firm experience and long-term career trajectory. 

Thanks in advanced! 

13 Comments
 

Yea. OP, it's gonna come down to whether or not you think it's worth the risk. If you could hypothetically be put into the MS M&A group, I'd pick that, but that's the group most people at MS want, so it's tough to land. GS Industrials is still a solid group (echo what @ICF commented below about it). Personally, I feel that the downside risk of an uncertain group at MS is bigger than the upside, so I would stick with GS

 
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MS M&A is an extremely strong group (some will make the argument it is the "top" group or one of the top 3-5 groups on Wall Street). That being said, GS Industrials is also very solid. If you feel good about landing a top group (Media/Comm, Sponsors, etc.) / group that you want at MS, then go for it. But the GS offer provides a bit more security. While GS Industrials is not regarded at quite the same level as TMT or FIG, the group will help you land pretty much all of the same opportunities (plenty of their analysts exit to UMM/MF). I have a couple of friends there and let me tell you, they grind. But I find it hard to believe that you would be chilling if you landed in a group with the same deal flow as MS M&A.

FWIW, I think MS pays slightly more than GS.

Array
 

So hypothetically speaking, if I were to potentially go to MS M&A would that be better vs GS Industrials (culture and exit option wise)? 

 

Generally agree with classification. CMG has turned into a top group - probably staffed on like 30% of TMT deals. 

 

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