Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum
| +183 | Americas M&A League Table Q2 Updated | 74 | 2h |
| +132 | New Article: Dramatic Slide as UBS #22 (US) & New Leadership Desperately Needed | 27 | 2h |
| +110 | Restructuring: Anti-climactic Experience | 29 | 2h |
| +83 | IB Net Worth / Savings Check | 34 | 18m |
| +74 | A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SUMMER INTERNSHIP RECRUITING | 12 | 1d |
| +51 | Boutique firm wants access to my LinkedIn? | 40 | 1d |
| +39 | Investment Banking is Hard | 17 | 21h |
| +31 | PWP vs BofA | 23 | 6h |
| +27 | Who pays the highest right now? | 14 | 6h |
| +25 | Woman who emptied Knicks trashcan on street then stole it was DEI exec, worked at JPMorgan Chase | 10 | 1h |
Career Resources
I've spent a significant amount of time there recently and all I can say is that it's totally different. A 20 mile commute which usually takes 20 minutes on the freeway will take an hour minimum because the traffic and infrastructure is terrible. If it rains, good luck because there's likely to be flooding (again, poor infrastructure), and you have to be EXTREMELY cautious about what you eat/drink. You can only drink purified water and people from developed countries have to be careful about eating street food that hasn't been prepared adequately. It's also extremely dirty and the people there are absurdly unresponsive/slow to get back to you. Customer service is an after thought there, so you really have to get after people in order to get work done.
Now I've listed most of the negatives, but that's not to say that everything about that place sucks, however I'm curious as to what is inspiring this move? Unless you have family or a personal connection to that area like I do, I can't imagine anyone ever settling there or living there long term. It's worlds apart from the US/Europe.
Lifestyle will depend on how you like to spend your free time. If you like going to clubs and such, you'll find them... but they won't be what you expect. If you like drinking, pretty much everything is more expensive.
On the plus side, if you're a white guy, you will slay chicks left and right. And this is NSA sex. Clothes are super cheap.
Also, when shopping, take a local with you. Otherwise the vendors will charge you quintuple the actual price, and you won't even know it.
Sucks.
Seriously though, my three week experience there was miserable. I was in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore and I can only really say that Goa was nice. Delhi is extremely overpopulated and dirtier than a New York subway station; over half of the 20+ million people that live there are unemployed so there are tons of people sleeping on the streets.
You will literally sweat all the time so wearing a suit is an absolute nightmare. The water will give you giardia. The food will give you diarrhea. The girls while give you gonorrhea. That is not an exaggeration. Also, on that note, I didn't see a single attractive girl while I was there. Not ONE.
In summary, America, fuck yeah.
Do you like the smell of curry happy?
Once you get over the culture shock you will either love it or hate it. It all depends on how open minded you are. It can be an addictive country for some and the worst place for others.
I have seen too many people from the US (not all) whilst on holidays in Asia who complain about the quality of things there. I am sorry... what were you expecting another US with some colour and dance from the locals for your entertainment? No. Be realistic. It will be a shock. Nothing will prepare you for it. But with an open mind you will be fine (of course money helps as well... ) Don't try to be a local and try all the cheap things around. Use your money...it will take you far like most of the upper middle class Indian society.
Remember... open mind is the secret to all. And not expecting anything to be similar to US.
If you're going to be paid expat rates, you can save a bundle living in India, as long as you're willing to avoid the expensive tourist/expat trap areas.
India has an extremely interesting diaspora of people ranging from villagers living hand-to-mouth to families with more money than sense. Certainly worth a visit, and living there for a while would certainly make for a hell of a story. If you do decide to move, then be wary - it'll be quite a shock for you, assuming you're an American WASP.
I just came back from there.
Please whatever you do, do NOT go and live. Please, if you are used to USA, you will find India very, very difficult to deal with because it is very poor, very smelly, very dirty very crowded, very poor hygiene standards etc. Worst of all, the people, in my experience, and it's really horrible to say this, are on the whole very rude and are the biggest liars you will ever meet.
I hear stories like this from friends and I wonder how India would ever be able to surpass China.
^^^I can confirm. I am from that region, and I would never want to go back to South Asia. I simply can't take all that bullshit anymore since I have become used to the American way of life.
America, fuck yeah!
Yeah, America with its toilet-paper currency and negative real growth.
India takes some getting used to, but it's a great place to live if you've got money and manage to adjust your lifestyle to something outside the Western norm. No shortage of dealflow and high comp with low taxes too. It's not for me personally but I certainly wouldn't write it off because I couldn't handle the food or whatever tripe's been rolled out in this thread.
If you have an low to mid tier-upper-class-salary in the US, that translates to being a big time baller in India. You can live like a king (security, multiple maids, drivers, chefs, etc). Actually, everyone has maids.
I agree with the above, its dirty, smelly, and sometimes just downright weird. in my opinion, people say do not trust a china man or a jew, but coming from real experience- NEVER trust an indian (I am allowed to say this).
That being said, India is ginormous. If you hate the cities (which most do) you can definitely check out the Maldives, backwaters down south, mountains up north, and the beaches in Goa. It's actually really stunning.
Where are you considering moving to?
Go to Edison, NJ. If you can last a week you might be able to handle India.
Hahaha. Yes, this is definitely true. What about you ANT, would you consider moving to India?
I'd probably live anywhere to be honest. Maybe Mumbai over Dehli. Not sure if I would want to live in India long term though. The idea that monkeys are employed to keep other monkeys out of government buildings just blows my mind. Like monkeys, everywhere, wow.
It's all about the people. And unfortunately, the people there are largely horrible (well to white foreigners anyway). My enduring images of Indian will be people continually spitting in the street (they wonder why they still have TB), every continually arguing with each other in loud voices in very inappropriate settings (e.g. expensive hotel lobby), and every single person lying to you in every single setting, irrespective of whether or not they have anything to gain by lying to you. Oh, and, the the most amazing inefficiency in everyday things (e.g. waiters taking your order at breakfast).
First off, you are wrong about Indians treating foreigners horribly. When I was visiting there with friends, I found Indians very welcoming and nice in general. (Two of my friends were White, and they were treated even better than I was imo). Everyone was very helpful when we were being unintentionally obtuse understanding the directions. One of them even went through the trouble of breaking out a pen and paper, and drew a simple diagram complete with arrow signs and bullet points. First off, take a leaf out of Cluelessfromoz's book and learn to open your mind just a tad. Also, I can't help but wonder what "expensive hotel" you were at if people were yelling as if they were on a trading floor.
Learn to adapt to different cultures mate. In the US, you tip the waiter after you eat. But in India, it works differently. When we were out at a restaurant, when the waiter came to take our orders, I slipped the guy 50 Rupees ($1.00 USD), and the guy was like the motherfucking Flash.
Lastly, if you're complaining about them lying, you don't have a good BS detector. If a guy says "Yes yes this work many days I guarantee it last 10 years" while selling you a pair of socks, you have to read between the lines.
For your consideration:
Conclusion: I wouldn't want to live and work there. Commute fucking sucks (I regularly spent 1hr30min traveling 4.5 miles). Very high pollution - I don't smoke, but if I went to a doctor right after my trip, my doctor wouldn't have believed me.
However, provided that you have money, can adapt well, are street-smart, and have a sense of humor, you will have a fantastic experience.
Don't forget the women... ugh good luck getting some quality tail over there.
this thread is full of laughs
Basically what I'm hearing/reading is that my life would suck on many levels while I was there. It would be worth it for me professionally/preMBA so I guess I have to decide if its worth it.
Unless you live in the same building as your office or have an extremely high threshold for boredom, do not move there for work. The commute would be suicide inducing. Even if you get GS TMT Mumbai, I would still reconsider.
Dude, Bangalore is the shit!
It may be the booze speaking but I'm in India right now from work. Just back from some drinks and ogling at models at Aer on the 4 Seasons rooftop and life is pretty good.
You can have a ton of fun in Mumbai - but you need to get in with the right crowd and live well. Nightlife is great if you know where to go, women are hot and fun if you know where to meet them, tons to see around the country.
My only caveat would be the professional environment, which is less sophisticated than London or NY and the market is totally over banked.
Wow, as an 'Indian-Indian' (born and raised, but studied/worked in the US) I have to say it's interesting and unfortunate that the overall view is very negative. Unfortunate because as an Indian all of what you've said is dead on right – it is definitely dirty, smelly, unhygenic, and the point about a lot of Indians lying to you…is sadly very true.
But you know what, I love my country. I currently work outside of it in Asia Pac but i have plans to return for sure. Now I've been used to the comforts of developed Western/Asian cities for the last 14 years, yet I'm always incredibly excited to head back. Why?
1) People – of course my family is there, as are old friends. But let's say you're an American guy coming on work, my suggestion is – tie up with an Indian buddy from college, or tell your coworkers to show you around. Indians, believe me, are THE most hospitable race if you give them a chance. I routinely go out of my way to show my 'foreign' friends around my hometown of Delhi (and nearby Agra, housing the Taj Mahal) because a) as an Indian we're hospitable, and b) we want you to have a good impression of India.
2) SO much is happening – I love Boston/NY/HK/Singapore type cities where I've lived, but fuck, the sort of buzz and activity in India is just incomparable. NY/HK are lively, esp in the city areas, but if you're looking for sheer breadth and depth of activity, the top Indian cities are a class apart. Delhi is home now to 1) numerous 500+ year old architectural phenoms like the Qutub Minar 2) an F1 track 3) World class sports (esp cricket/tennis) arenas, 4) Proximity to a 7th wonder of the word, 5) Unfuckingbelievable array of food – Indian and otherwise, 6) Tremendous golf courses right in the city center – e.g. Delhi Golf Course, 7) etc etc Look I know I'm biased, but seriously, give India a shot. Delhi is just an example – even I frankly couldn't tell you enough on a place like Mumbai – and all Mumbai-ites swear by it.
3) Sheer quality of experiences – No matter what weather you want, activity you want, food you want, it's all in India. Snow, beaches, rainforests, desert, immense lakes, mountains, types of people, it's there.
OK I'm boring you as the reader with this post. My MAIN TAKEAWAY IS – If you're going to India – TELL SOMEONE TO SHOW YOU THE COUNTRY. Don't do it on your own when you're stressed and worried whether this glass of water is going to anal rape you. Let your Indian buddy take care of you. Surrender to the country – it'll give you the most cherished experience of your life yet. Like any and every currently India has immense flaws and faults, but I can safely attest that it's positives are mind-blowing, too.
happypantsmgee you are a vet, if im not mistaken...you know how to handle yourself out in country..treat india like country initially for about 6 months until you gain confidence and experience. you are fine in the cabs but beware that indian cab drivers tend to drive in circles if they can tell that u dont know where you are within the city. watch your valuables and stay on the alert. over the course of the last 10 years a lot of goras/firangis (whites) have moved to bangalore and hyderabad for it opportunities. a lot have managed to fit in perfectly. you should be fine and you'll enjoy yourself. the pussy is seriously limited. that is all.
~fight~ PS: Where in india do you intend on going?
if you are looking for a little bit more insight: 10 rules to living in india 1. always drink bottled water (bisleri) 2. never buy food off the side carts, when you get some god forsaken anal disease and end up with explosive diarrhea dont blame me for not telling you this 3. dont walk outside with a chain/ring on in bombay unless you expect to get your ass kicked by 12 midget sized men with cricket bats 4. do travel within the country. screw goa head down to the back water in kerala allepey. also try to head to the mauritius you will find a vacation there incredible 5. head to the local markets but learn how to haggle.. pick the language up of the region that you are in. this isnt too bad every time i go back i get a refresher. 6. there is a heavy club scene but the pussy is and always will be limited: maybe you can ask the guy above and check out what hes banging 7. if you are in bombay you must have (pav baji, wada pav, and at least a limca)-dont you dare buy them off the side of the street 8. i know you are a dipper try yourself the paan that they sell (BEWARE bring a couple tins of your grizzly or whatever the fuck you chew there for the first few weeks till you are used to the environment... then try out the paan) 9. dont take buses or trains (you would fucking hate em trust me) 10. enjoy yourself and have fun india's a unique experience, if you have any more specific questions let me know.... i grew up there and still visit there occasionally.
~fight~
If I decide to move, it would be to Bangalore.
you have nothing to worry about... bangalore's clean, technologically advanced and mostly secure. you can and will enjoy yourself out there. once again i highly recommend that you head to mauritius in between your travels. get a solid summit hike in for karkorum/everest in as well
So random... Mauritius isn't anywhere near India.
A few more comments on India, just addressing a couple points brought up:
1) Bangalore is not cleaner than delhi. Yes the IT companies maintain very tidy offices but if you think bangalore is less polluted than any other Indian city or has better traffic, good luck to you. Delhi with its wide-reaching metro and reasonable infrastructure is definitely 5 years ahead. However, if you're American, bangalore is probably easier than most other Indian cities because of the very widespread english.
2) The best looking girls in India are in Kashmir or inner Himachal Pradesh/Punjab. But among major cities, are in Delhi and Mumbai. Hands down. South India cannot compete here, I'm sorry. Best places to find these good looking girls? To confirm their existence, high-end malls (they're all over). To get with one of them - high profile parties, clubs (more common in Mumbai), 5 star hotel bars/lounges, social events (many such happening like book launches, art exhibitions, etc)
3) Build up your immune system, and soon you can eat/try anything. I eat off the road in India all the time. Haven't had a stomach upset once. Just get used to India and you'll be fine. Do insist on bottled water to start with, but in a month or so just regular 'filtered' water is fine. The more you drink bottled water, the less your immune system strengthens.
4) Don't go to Maldives or something if you haven't seen India properly. Do you research on India - it's kinda awesome and in general tourists are welcome and safe everywhere. Just do the basics like keeping track of your valuables and not walking alone at night (as you would in ANY city) and you'll be just fine.
If you have any specific questions on India, PM me. I'm proud of my country despite it's many, many fuck-ups :)
I disgaree.
Best looking girls: West Bengal, Maharashtra, and wherever Poonam Pandey is from. Best looking guys: West Bengal
PS: I'm not from any of these states, so no bias.
Each to his own, completely respect that. Bengal definitely has some knockout hotties. And Sonali Bendre's from Maharashtra, so def agree haha. I was saying more just in general, if you're out or at the workplace, women are better looking in delhi/bbay. Esp delhi, but I'm def biased.
Good luck!
Consequuntur tenetur eos ut doloribus. Itaque est quia dolore cum ea id. Et dolores inventore iste enim officia quae vel.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Quam consequatur cupiditate qui iure qui quo magni. Nihil doloremque consequatur molestias velit amet quia dolorum. Facilis placeat harum sint officiis laboriosam non.
Dolorum sint exercitationem quia possimus. Velit laboriosam et a velit laboriosam et assumenda eum. At quia distinctio eaque magni sed. Minus sequi ut sed eos maxime consectetur.
Fugiat modi ea magni sunt assumenda atque ratione. Magnam exercitationem doloribus magnam culpa corporis. Consequatur ea magnam facilis ut ut. Molestiae beatae aliquid excepturi sequi harum voluptatem est. Optio labore et a explicabo cupiditate in nihil dolorem. In voluptas animi aut aut exercitationem aspernatur et. Et odio quasi odit assumenda aut est et voluptate. Ut consequatur quo nemo molestiae aut corrupti ut.