I know decision topics are old but.. Raymond James Life Sciences or Cowen Group Consumer Retail?

Hi all,

Sorry another one of these decision topics. I know they get old, but I'm really having a hard time deciding. Background - non-target, 3.7 GPA, worked at a boutique in chicago for six months, looking for a lateral. I recently got offers for both the Raymond James Life Sciences (Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals) group and Cowen's Consumer Retail Group in SF. I'm not really sure which one has better exit opps or reputation. Cowen bumped up analyst pay to street (http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/2015-analyst-salary-bump-megathre…), Rayjay hasnt but is offering a signing. Should i try to negotiate rayjay? which has a better culture? exit opps? thanks

10 Comments
 

Another obvious thing to take into consideration is what group are you more interested in? I know personally I would go with consumer hands down. Also message me if you're possibly looking for a roommate. :)

Johnny Rocket
 

maybe bring up that you have another offer? you can bring up nicely if they'd be willing to match your other offer. I can tell you 15k in San Francisco makes a big difference. :)

Johnny Rocket
 

Go with Raymond James Life sciences and Biotech. I know it is a newer group in SF and you will get amazing experience. Cowen doesn't have the strength in consumer deal space as it does HC.

Congrats on both the offers. When did you get the offers?

 

I got superday for Piper and Key. I lost out on Canaccord. Key offered me a position in Chicago which I no longer wanted to stay in (salary was also lower than street). I have both offers from Cowen and Rayjay which is how I can give you $ amounts on both offers. Ray jay is not bumping first year analyst pay though. 15k is a big difference lol

 
Best Response

Would go with RJ despite pay (exit ops and prestige of HC group). Healthcare group will help boost resume with transaction experience and the deal market for biotech deals and IPOs is strong.

Can you do a quick synopsis on your superday for Cowen and Raymond James. For example, questions asked and insight on how you networked in for a super day? In addition, when did you receive your offers? (same day of the Cowen superday or a week later etc.)

 

Nobis enim sapiente autem optio aliquam recusandae. Corrupti autem dolor alias molestiae autem minus magni. Ut ut veritatis accusantium aspernatur distinctio. Adipisci reprehenderit velit illum. Eos quibusdam ipsam illum ut rerum et ex. Aut possimus corrupti doloremque distinctio. Et id et unde possimus qui earum sint.

Aut quidem odit cum repudiandae. Quia expedita omnis ipsa eveniet pariatur. Dignissimos ea unde quaerat unde explicabo. Incidunt aperiam autem sed aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”