Hi everyone. I'm currently deciding between SA offers from a decent MM (Cowen/Baird/RJ/Stifel) in their NYC office and a top MM (Jefferies/HL/Rothschild/Gugg) for a regional office (think DC/Charlotte/Atlanta/Houston). I've always heard how NYC offers the most optionality and you should always start your finance career in NYC, but would starting at a regional office at a better firm be better?
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Honestly, it's true that NYC provides the most optionality. However, I'd definitely consider many other factors before the level of opportunities at each location. How do you personally feel about living in NYC vs another city, and which firms' cultures do you like better?
JEF CLT > Gugg ATL > HL DC = RJ NYC > Cowen = Stifel
Don't think Baird has a NYC office
What about gugg atl vs wf Charlotte (strong group)?
Just to be more inclusive and add in Houston groups and HL ATL which largely shares deal flow and seniors with similar background as Gugg ATL I'd say JEF HOU > JEF CLT > Gugg ATL = HL ATL > HL DC > HL HOU = Gugg HOU > Cowen NYC = Stifel NYC > RJ NYC > Stifel HOU = Cowen HOU
They do but it is only senior bankers. There are no junior banker jobs there. Also, regardless of office, I wouldn't put HL as a top MM while labeling Baird only a decent one. HL corporate finance is on the same level as Baird with Baird being better in some coverage groups.
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