GS vs EB (PJT/LAZ/Gugg)

Hi all,

Ignore my title I’m an Associate.

Curious how you would compare Goldman‘s new cross markets team (middle market) to an EB. The Goldman brand is obviously very strong, but don’t know much about the cross markets group. Seems like one can get a bunch of reps doing more middle market deals up to $2bn (which is actually quite big), but not sure about the culture. Trying to understand if this team is sustainable long term. Would also seem deal flow is very solid. They also recently hired some MDs from EBs so clearly growing. The group also seems large with many sub verticals. Is this team well respected within Goldman? How do they interact with the regular coverage groups?
 

At the EB, the group seems like it has a better culture and better comp (but obviously nothing is certain). Obviously has the benefit of also doing larger deals than just middle market. Comp matters but shouldn’t over the long term, right?

If I’m interested in a longer-term career in banking (obviously have a long time to figure this out) how would you think about the puts and takes between these teams? Feel like culture is very important but on the flip side the Goldman brand is very helpful over a career and that team should have significant deal flow.

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider when comparing Goldman Sachs' new cross markets team to elite boutiques (EBs) like PJT, Lazard, and Guggenheim:

Goldman Sachs Cross Markets Team:

  • Brand Strength: The Goldman Sachs brand is highly respected and can be beneficial for your career in the long term.
  • Deal Flow: The cross markets team focuses on middle market deals up to $2bn, which provides substantial deal experience.
  • Growth: The team is expanding, having recently hired MDs from EBs, indicating a growth trajectory.
  • Sub-Verticals: The team is large with many sub-verticals, offering diverse exposure.
  • Internal Respect: It's important to understand how this team is perceived within Goldman Sachs and how it interacts with the regular coverage groups.

Elite Boutiques (PJT, Lazard, Guggenheim):

  • Culture: EBs are often noted for having a better culture, which can be crucial for long-term job satisfaction.
  • Compensation: Generally, EBs offer better compensation, though this can vary.
  • Deal Size: EBs handle larger deals, providing experience with high-profile transactions.
  • Long-Term Career: If you are considering a long-term career in banking, the culture and deal experience at an EB can be very valuable.

Considerations for Long-Term Career:

  • Culture vs. Brand: While the Goldman Sachs brand is prestigious, the culture at an EB might be more conducive to a sustainable long-term career.
  • Deal Experience: Both options offer strong deal flow, but the nature and size of deals will differ.
  • Compensation: While compensation is important, it should not be the sole factor in your decision. Consider the overall career growth and job satisfaction.

Conclusion:

  • Goldman Sachs: Offers a strong brand, significant deal flow in the middle market, and growth opportunities within a large, diverse team.
  • Elite Boutiques: Provide a potentially better culture, higher compensation, and experience with larger, high-profile deals.

Ultimately, your decision should weigh the importance of brand prestige against the cultural fit and deal experience. If culture and long-term job satisfaction are paramount, an EB might be the better choice. If the Goldman Sachs brand and the growth of the cross markets team appeal to you, that could be a compelling option as well.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/qa-senior-banker?customgpt=1, Which Bank for Career Bankers?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/who-has-heard-about-these-teams-citi-tts-deutsche-gts-jpm-tss-baml-gts?customgpt=1, Where is the compensation in banking? Is it worth taking a pay cut for the long-term prospects?, BB Analyst Impacted By Layoffs - Looking for Insight

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Wouldn't take GS Cross Markets over any of the EBs. You'll be limited to small deals (up to 2bn EV) and the exit pipeline is not established. Don't be fooled by the GS brand

 

Would give different answer if analyst given exit opp differences between GS cross markets vs an EB : but as an associate GS name might be worth it for exits like corporate related things. Also, GS crucially works across products meaning you have more things to sell clients as a senior vs at an EB, so theoretically should be easier to bulid a book.

 

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