Guggenheim RX vs. JPM (Any group) vs. UBS (Global Banking) vs. Ares Management Alternative Credit

Question

Which is better in terms of culture, pay, and exit ops? Positions are all in NYC. Thanks!

Background: Non-target in NYC but with solid internship experiences and networked tons to get these offers.

Personally, I found myself more interested in RX and Lev Fin, but credit in Ares seems like a good option to skip the 1-2 years of banking. On top of that, I'd like to apply for top MBA down the road and not sure how Ares would position me for that. Having a hard time comparing the SA positions and would appreciate any insights or suggestions.

FellySmart · Accepted Answer

you need to figure out what you want. in this diverse of a selection you need to have preference because that makes the decision easy through filters.

do your research and break it down by what you prize- you didn’t even care to mention what you want/prioritize which is slightly annoying other than being from a non target (which implies something and you don’t even mention what that means to you- you just want people to just dump you any and all info which is lazy and annoying)

“from a non target” JPM > UBS > Gugg > Ares for non Wall Street finance roles.

dontbugme · Answer

People here haven't really mentioned that Ares is one of, if not the best direct lending / credit platforms in the world. Their PE arm was really built on the back of their successful private credit strategies and they made their name in direct lending. If you're interested in the space like you mention, there is no better place to be than Ares, and you can see some of the best kids in the levfin banking groups exit to Ares Alternative Credit every year. There's no guarantee that you'll have an offer at Ares after a banking stint at JPM or Guggenheim.

Impaired Class · Answer

Given that you're coming from a non-target, you have to decide how conformist (or not) you want to be moving forward. There's no right or wrong answer to this, it's just something you need to mull over.

For example, for getting into a top MBA program - assuming you're a non-target with a 3.8+ undergrad GPA - JPM puts you in the best position by far. This is because you've gone from a non-target into a traditional, known pathway to top MBA programs.

GorillaMoney · Answer

Thanks for the detailed overview, @NotSarcastic." Should've mentioned my personal goal on the forum, but I'll just answer it here. I tend to prefer the private debt space's work-life balance + (50-60 hours with decent comps comparable to banking.）

However, coming from a non-target, I think my chance for MF PE even from JPM will be slimmer compared to kids from a target school.

You brought up a good point about MBA, curious about why you think Ares would put me at a disadvantage for top MBA?

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Guggenheim RX vs. JPM (Any group) vs. UBS (Global Banking) vs. Ares Management Alternative Credit

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Guggenheim RX vs. JPM (Any group) vs. UBS (Global Banking) vs. Ares Management Alternative Credit

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