If you had to choose- Goldman or Wellington

Oh and if you just answer Goldman Sachs obviously, you're either in IB or uninformed. This is a close call. I'd say wellington because they're still a partnership and didn't sellout.

$540+ Billion AUM. Yeah, they're not small.

If you have the choice then you can't go wrong really.

I guess it would depend, partly, on what area or asset class you wanted to work in and also on where you would be based (I'm assuming US) and how much you liked the team.

Oh, good point about the name recognition. I only found out about Wellington a few months ago and that was because an acquaintance who works in Asset Management had declined an interview there and then changed his mind after doing a little more research. He is in Europe though.

Having said that, I would probably choose GS all other things being equal (i.e. role, team, city, etc), in part because I am more internationally oriented career wise.

Keep in mind; I am not in asset management/research/prop. Trading. Make your own decision.

You said what you'd be doing at GS but not at Wellington.

I'm going side with Private Investor because I do believe that GS is more likely to help you in the long run due to its international presence and that if you ever wanted to work in a certain part of the globe other than where you are now, you have to definitely keep in mind.

I can see why you're so keen on Wellington too. You're hoping you'll be there when and if they sellout right? Hehehe...its ambitious.

As for myself, I would also go GS anytime anywhere because I have every intention of not staying where I am (Montreal, Canada). My first job will land me in Toronto with CIBC World Markets (still small compared to the bulge but i chose them over RBC and Scotia because they have the better global presence comapred to the other CDN banks...thats not saying much btw! LOL...).

I lived in HK for a good 7 years and would love to go back there one day. In the meantime I'd like to see Toronto, NYC and London before I head back to the far east and that would be my reason for GS over Wellington if I was in your position.

If all else fails, go with your gut.

I am new to the IB/Consulting game, but overall if you wanted togo to grad school (assuming you are coming out of college) if teh pay is the same and you want to stay in the US, I would go with GS, but its your choice.

Its a hypothetical question and a dilemna I think we all wish we had.

BTW, I've asked ex sell side now buy side analysts this and they all say wellington (in other words the industry does know them), but clearly you can't go wrong either way.

aadpepsi, what did you chose over wellington?

Honest truth. I was at Salomon Smith Barney prior to B-School and considering whether to lateral to another firm such as Wellington. At the time I did consider that they weren't as widely recognized in other markets etc. However, personally I also wanted MORE, i.e. same industry, but bigger position, more money, different functional area. Kinda wanted to reinvent myself sort of speak, so I chose B-School over Wellington and other places.