IBD Boutique in CHINA or IBD boutique in US? Please help..

Hello friends! I really need your expertise to help me choose the right internship to go.. So I worked at marketing last summer but can not fit the culture. I want to move to banking. I am currently sophomore in a target (big target) and I got some offers from boutique banks: 1, IBD at an unknown boutique in NYC. Around 15 people shop. Unpaid 2, IBD at an CA boutique, also unknown, focuses only on IT companies M&A, 15~20 people shop, maybe less. 3, IBD at a boutique bank in Beijing, 40+ people shop, pretty strong deal flow especially in private placements. It is a structured internship program and I will have mentors.. etc. I want to work at BBs in the future in NY. Which is the right way to go?? Close to the deadline to make a decision, please help....

Many thanks~ Papagogo

23 Comments
 

Because (1) you're a sophmore and (2) you're at a "big target" (I assume you mean HYPS), I'd go ahead and take the internship in China. Non of the firms are reputable in the U.S. anyways (it sounds that way) and the China experience will likely be a cool differentiator. If you're at one of the top schools and you're chinese I'm sure you have a 3.9+ and you'll get an internship at a BB next year after an internship in IBD in a structured program this year.

 
Best Response
International PympBecause (1) you're a sophmore and (2) you're at a "big target" (I assume you mean HYPS), I'd go ahead and take the internship in China. Non of the firms are reputable in the U.S. anyways (it sounds that way) and the China experience will likely be a cool differentiator. If you're at one of the top schools and you're chinese I'm sure you have a 3.9+ and you'll get an internship at a BB next year after an internship in IBD in a structured program this year.

Agree with Pymp. The other two sound like unknowns the way you put it. And China would make for an interesting story during interviews. Can be spun in a ton of ways... "I chose the firm with the greatest exposure and name besides my other options. I know I want to be in US long-term, but wanted to use a summer to gain exposure to a world outside of my own" and so on...

 

there is no right way to go.

if you're at a strong target, you'll land multiple offers regardless. doesn't matter. which sounds more fun for you?

 

Thanks guys. But I am concerning the boutiques at US are too small and unknown.. doubt if I can really learn some solid modeling..

 
lifesgreatmysteryif youre asian, go to nyc. if youre white, go to china

done

I was thinking the same thing. If you are asian, and especially if your English isn't 100% fluent + American accent, you might want to consider NY to avoid being pigeon holed.

 

I'd go to China. hell you might even like it over there. In terms on landing BB FT it doesn't matter if you do to a top school. I got interviews from 3 BBs with a 3.0 gpa.

 

^^ do you guys think I should also take deal flow into consideration? Is private placement also traditional investment banking??? Thanks again for all your inputs guys~~

 

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