I have exploding offers from three different places, and I'm having trouble making a decision.
The offers are HSBC M&A in NYC, Citi/JPM/BAML corporate banking in NYC, and Harris Williams in Boston.
My thoughts were that an IB internship in NYC would be preferable, but I've heard from some people that the corporate banking role might lead to an easy internal lateral to the investment banking team, and that the position at HW is a better place to be.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!
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When did you have your interviews form Harris Williams? HSBC M&A has been on the rise, while HW is also always a good place to be albeit the Boston location. I think it comes down to location, if you want IB do IB, it'll be easier to lateral.
What makes you say that HSBC M&A is on the rise?
Personally would go for HSBC, unless you definitely want to do MM PE, in which case HW.
> I'd rather live in NYC than in Boston > HSBC has global brand recognition, HW only US really
Definitely go IB. I would rather work at HW than HSBC, but if you have a strong NYC preference over Boston, then going HSBC is understandable.
I think I would be more inclined to go with HW Boston if the team there wasn't so small. They pretty much only do software deals, which is a little bit limiting in my mind. My thought is that I'd get to see a broader range of things with HSBC.
Ahhhh well that makes sense.
If your ultimate goal is to end up in IB, I would think twice about taking the corporate banking role just to lateral. They see through that and it isn't as easy as you might think. It happens, but it's not super common. Not that there's anything wrote with corporate banking though, it's a solid career.
Between HW and HSBC, if you're looking to end up at a bigger/more presitigious bank, I would think HSBC would be the smarter move. They're not a top BB, but I think they've been growing their business lately, and M&A in New York at a name people recognize is still good. I don't know what their deal flow is, but I imagine they must be on some good deals out of Asia where their brand and business is really fucking strong. Better opportunities to work with, meet bankers at better banks and lateral if that's your thing.
HW is a middle market shop, and so the exposure will be a little different, and being in Boston can make it hard to network your way into a better NYC bank. If you want to end up in AM/MM PE though, and you like Boston, then by all means take HW. But they're a niche shop with a smaller niche brand, so know what you're getting yourself into.
Are people crazy? This isn't even remotely a tough decision. HW for sure. Very strong MM M&A with good exits to PE if you want that.
While I agree with you broadly, I think HW Boston is a little bit more limited; the office is really small and they only really do software deals. I'd prefer to be in NYC so that's a factor as well.
If you'd prefer NYC, then I think you have to go HSBC. Worst case you go there with the intentions of lateraling over to a better shop ASAP, which is obviously easier to do in NYC than Boston. I also think being in M&A will give you broader exposure and allow you to keep more doors open for either lateraling or moving into PE. I've heard mixed reviews on HW&Co.'s Boston office and certainly would not plan on going commercial with the intentions of trying to switch functions.
banking is underrated imo
What are your views on it?
that banking is underrated.
edit: got hit with monkey shit for stating an opinion, nice
HSBC M&A is the easy choice if you want IB
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