Pre-Master’s IB Internship: No-Name Bank with Deal Flow vs Big 4 Brand?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been accepted into a semi-target Master’s in Finance program in the UK, which I plan to attend. I’m considering taking on an investment banking internship for a few months beforehand to strengthen my chances of landing an IB role in the UK.

I’m currently weighing two options and would appreciate advice on which might be more beneficial:

1. A no-name investment bank that is also a private equity firm and closes a relatively high number of deals, but whose name and prestige would likely be unfamiliar to UK recruiters.
2. A Big 4 firm’s investment banking division that closes very few deals.

Which option would better position me for a Summer Analyst or off-cycle IB internship in London?

For context, I’m from an emerging market where BBs/EBs have no local presence.

Many thanks!

Update, a bit of background:

Nationality: From an emerging/developing country (e.g., East Asia, Latin America, Caribbean)

Internship experience:

• Credit and valuation internship (8 months)
• Top-tier consulting firm full time (6 months)

Undergraduate degree: Business / Finance
Academic performance: Graduated top of my class