JPM vs. MS vs. BMO vs. William Blair -- (all Chicago)

Like the subject implies, which one would you choose? I know I want to work in Chicago and ultimately end up in PE. This is for a SA position. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks.

12 Comments
 

JPM and MS will provide the best exit opps, even though you can make an argument that Blair provides analysts more exposure to MM Chi PE shops. Would still go for the BB experience.

 

Honestly, either JPM or MS, depending on which guys you get along with better and which group for each.

- Capt K - "Prestige is like a powerful magnet that warps even your beliefs about what you enjoy. If you want to make ambitious people waste their time on errands, bait the hook with prestige." - Paul Graham
 

Obviously MS, however I've seen a lot of PE guys in Chi-town from CS.

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The "definitely MS over JPM" comment is wrong. A friend of mine was an analyst in that group in 2007/2008 and he said they almost shut down the entire office. JPM has a big presence in Chicago because of the First Chicago and BankOne mergers and the fact that Jamie sat out in Chi for six years. Exit ops out of that group are great as well. I have no doubt that MS has a great operation, but wanted to point out that there is no reason to "definitely" go with MS over JPM. You're not closing any doors by going with either, assuming you can get an offer at all.

 
Best Response

know people from all the offices except BMO

Blair is the most egalitarian I would say. 100 people in the chicago office.

MS is a sweatshop for 1st years. Kind of joke hours for 2nd years. 20-25 people in that office. office dynamic is very kind of bad from what I hear. There is a vice chairman Bill Strong that sits in that office. Only 12 vice chairmen around the globe. that's one of their selling points. heard analysts did exit pretty well into Chicago PE like Madison Dearborn and GTCR

JPM is a solid shop. I think 30 people in that office. Good presence in the paper packaging industry. strong in the financing space. Had a friend summer there, heard good things. I think less hours than MS on average.

BMO...well...I'd choose the other 3 over BMo because of bigger name.

 

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- Capt K - "Prestige is like a powerful magnet that warps even your beliefs about what you enjoy. If you want to make ambitious people waste their time on errands, bait the hook with prestige." - Paul Graham

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