Hi guys, stuck between a decision of BB (GS/MS/JPM) IB in HK vs. a fairly known industry boutique in the US (NYC) for SA2025. Would love some color on how I should go about deciding. Thanks!
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key factors to consider when deciding between a BB IB role in Hong Kong and a boutique IB role in the US:
Geography and Career Goals:
Prestige and Brand:
Work Experience:
Exit Opportunities:
Cultural Fit and Lifestyle:
Language and Networking:
Ultimately, your decision should align with your long-term career goals, geographic preferences, and the type of experience you want to gain during your internship. If you’re leaning towards a global brand and Asian market exposure, the BB in Hong Kong is a strong choice. If you prioritize hands-on experience and US-based opportunities, the boutique in NYC might be the better fit.
Sources: 2021 Summer Analyst Program for Hong Kong/Singapore, Bain or BCG for Summer Internship??, Q&A: MD in M&A and Cap Markets (Bulge Bracket and Boutique experience), 2019 Summer Analyst Program for Hong Kong/Singapore, 2019 HK IBD Summer Analyst position (Interview Rounds, Open Internship Positions, etc)
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Last bump. Any color would be great, thanks
do you want to work in HK or US?
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if you don't speak Mandarin then I would recommend taking the boutique offer and stay in the US. You can always re-recruit for FT or lateral after a year
Depends on what you want in the long term.
1. Do you want to stay in Asia and focus there? Assuming you have some connection to Asia- then it doesn't matter, the answer is obvious if you want to be in Asia
2. Its generally easier to move from US to Asia than vice versa. If you say that the boutique is well known, you shouldn't have problems, if in the future, you wanted to move to Asia. But then I can also say, if you really want to move back - why bother with being in the US at all?
3. If it comes down to experience - this really depends on the team within the bank. How did you jive with the people in the group you got offers from? Are they mostly spinning wheels on BD decks, ancillary stuff or is it something more substantial? Likely your experience in NYC (depending on the quality of the boutique) will be better. But this is all subjective, and you need to decide for yourself.
4. In my experience, I've found internal lateral analysts/associates from Asian office to be "less technically" skilled but extremely hard-working. Their deal experience is never as holistic as how things are run out in NY. But they definitely make up for some of it by working really hard, and being super responsive/hardworking.
Ultimately, this question is personal. You have to ask yourself what is more important - and usually this will come down to family, long term goals in terms of location, etc. If banking is what you want to do, you can't go wrong either-way.
Best of luck
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Don't take this the wrong way - your responses to these makes me think you actually don't want to be in HK, but just applied and got into GS/MS/JPM in HK (and couldn't do that in NY), and now are trying to decide between a boutique in NY (sounds like Greentech situation) or this offer in HK.
I don't fault you for thinking that way (we all shopped around for the best looking thing...) just that if you clearly want to be in NY, you're better off just staying in NY and then lateraling when the market opens up (which it will)
It’s US no brainer
Unless your parents are sick and live in HK. Or you have a gf in HK and you can’t do long distance..: there’s no career reason to take that
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Both are one way option
Geographical mobility is extremely limited as the sector knowledge and way of doing things are completely different. Can't be bothered to elaborate but that's it
I would say even ms tmt menlo moving to any tmt in hk is hard as time has changed and client base or deal focus is completely different. It is just like working in industrials moving to energy, some can make it but most can't (or won't and can't to be precise)
Go us boutique if u think that is big name enough to go sector focused pe or move up to eb in us. Otherwise tough choice
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