Have not gone through group placement at MS yet. Thinking about mainly exit opps, WLB, deal experience. Also if anyone has more insight into how PJT staffing works would love to hear it.
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When comparing PJT M&A and Morgan Stanley (pre-group placement) for a Summer Analyst role, here’s what you need to know based on the most helpful WSO content:
Exit Opportunities:
Work-Life Balance (WLB):
Deal Experience:
PJT Staffing:
Key Considerations: - If you value a generalist experience, strong exit opportunities, and a slightly better work-life balance, PJT M&A might be the better choice. - If you’re confident about securing a spot in a top group at Morgan Stanley (e.g., M&A or TMT), the brand name and deal flow could make it a strong contender.
Ultimately, your decision should align with your career goals and preferences for work environment and deal exposure.
Sources: Blackstone / PJT Exit Opps, Bain Capital PE vs PJT RSSG, PJT RSSG vs. Evercore M&A, PJT RSSG Culture?, Morgan Stanley NYC vs. Moelis NYC
MS is probably better if you think you might exit to something like strategy— but PJT would likely have a better learning experience, more M&A exposure, and you'll develop stronger technical skills. MS has a bigger network, but with so many people, it’s weaker in terms of who will actually go to bat for you. Also, MS pre-group placement means you could get stuck doing random BD work rather than executing deals. PJT is growing faster and will likely give you a better analyst experience overall. Exits are probably similar, so it really depends on the type of analyst experience you want.
Would echo above and add that PJT M&A isn’t that much leaner (at the analyst level) than say MS M&A. You’re correct that some groups place better than others, but all will have fairly good exits. Interested to hear others’ opinions.
`Was at MS before would 100% choice PJT now
Why?
MS is overly bureaucratic large deal teams (coverage + M&A) and pay is shite (bonus) PJT will have much better comp, learning opportunities and tbh exit opps too unless ur at MS M&A / MS Menlo which are both sweatshops
Ok let's not get silly here.
It all depends on group. But MS has a better brand and MS M&A is a top group. PJT M&A is not. That doesn't mean I'm trashing PJT before the butyhurt brigade arrive to MS me.
MS is sweaty and you'll be grinded. PJT is a bit chiller and probably a nicer experience.
Which groups at PJT M&A would you say are decent. Asking about London mainly.
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