MS Menlo/GS SF vs Vista PE vs Top EB (EVR/PJT/CVP)

Really fortunate to have received offers/last rounds for SA for the three options topic suggests. I really cannot appreciate the WSO community enough for the help everyone has provided.

In the long term, I want to stay close to tech, whether through tech investing or other opportunities after my analyst stint. I might not want to stay in finance forever, so brand name with top BB could help, but I understand WLB is probably better at Vista compared to tech banking shops. That said, the EB M&A gig is in NY, where people have told me is a better place to start my career. Curious to hear your thoughts.


 
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I’m only a lowly intern so take this with a grain of salt, but here’s my perspective:

MS/GS SF: Best option if you want to pursue  VC, GE, or Corp Dev/Strat on the West Coast. Top VCs and GE shops that hire bankers (e.g. Accel, IVP) only hire out of here and Qatalyst. This will probably preserve the most optionality for you within tech.

Vista: Best option if you know you want to build a career in tech PE. You will get good experience cutting SaaS data and will be eligible for direct promotion to associate. 
 

NYC EB: Best option if you want to go into Buyout PE, Distressed, or Special Sits. Best proximity to headhunters. Can still exit similarly to doing GS/MS SF, but will likely be better for non-tech related roles.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong here. Congrats!

 

MS/GS is safest given your interest in tech. A lot of folks would recommend Vista, but having a large Analyst class size in banking and building out that network early could do wonders in your future tech career. Not too sure on Vista Analyst class sizes, but I’m assuming pretty small, also they would be in Texas?!? Location wise for tech, still MS/GS. If tech buyout is 100% what you want, then Vista is more of a consideration but it just seems like you want in be in tech in general, no need to quickly jump to buyout. Just my take.

 

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