MS Menlo in 2024

Wanted to hear some updates on MS Menlo in 2024 regarding culture, hours, and recent exits. 

Heard they have mandated 5 days in the office, but is the culture still brutal? How's their protected weekend policy and is it enforced?

Based on past threads, MS Menlo Tech is the top industry group at MS and for many years has been the top tech banking group on the street along with GS TMT and Q. They're arguably a tier above GS TMT now that a bunch of GS's rainmakers have left. Deal flow has always been insane so the juniors get worked to the bone but learn a ton. How are things looking in 2024?

If you're interested in MF/UMM buyout (not necessarily tech), would you be able to exit well from MS Menlo?

4 Comments
 

Based on previous WSO threads, here's what you need to know about MS Menlo in 2024:

Culture and Hours

  • Mandated Office Days: MS Menlo has mandated 5 days in the office.
  • Culture: Historically, the culture has been intense, with juniors working long hours due to high deal flow. The environment is demanding but offers substantial learning opportunities.
  • Protected Weekend Policy: There is a protected weekend policy, but enforcement can vary. Given the high deal flow, expect to be busy even on weekends.

Recent Exits

  • Top Industry Group: MS Menlo Tech is considered the top industry group at MS and one of the leading tech banking groups on the street, alongside GS TMT and Qatalyst.
  • Rainmaker Departures: GS TMT has seen some of its key rainmakers leave, potentially elevating MS Menlo's standing.
  • Deal Flow: The deal flow remains robust, ensuring that juniors gain significant experience.

Exit Opportunities

  • MF/UMM Buyout: Exiting to MF/UMM buyout roles from MS Menlo is feasible. The group's strong reputation and extensive deal experience make it a solid platform for such exits, even beyond tech-focused roles.

In summary, MS Menlo continues to be a top choice for those looking to gain substantial experience in tech banking, with strong exit opportunities to MF/UMM buyout roles. However, be prepared for a demanding work environment with long hours.

Sources: Is it dumb to exit to LMM PE rather than starting in bigger (MF/UMM) opportunities first?, Technology IB Coverage Group - Exits, Interview Preparation, etc., Qatalyst/CVP vs GS/MS top group?, William Blair Reputation/Top Groups/Exit Ops?, Megafund/UMM PE Analyst Program Discussion Thread

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Bump - heard limited M&A in the office as of late but not confident in the source / validity of the info as a warning. 

 

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