Post MBA offer here what do I accept? Looking for comp + culture. I know for this criteria the obvious answer is PWP, but while I want to stay in IB for the medium term I know the GS name will open many more diverse doors. I just know the GS pay kinda sucks.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Compensation: PWP (Perella Weinberg Partners) is known for offering higher compensation compared to GS (Goldman Sachs), especially at the junior and mid-levels. If maximizing pay in the medium term is a priority, PWP is the stronger choice.
Culture: PWP is often praised for having a more collaborative and supportive culture compared to GS, which can sometimes be described as more hierarchical and intense. If work-life balance and a positive team environment are important to you, PWP might be the better fit.
Brand Name and Long-Term Opportunities: While PWP is a strong name in the M&A space, GS carries a globally recognized brand that opens doors across industries and geographies. If you’re considering transitioning out of IB in the long term or exploring diverse career paths, the GS name could provide more flexibility.
Medium-Term IB Goals: If your focus is to stay in IB for the medium term, PWP’s reputation in M&A and its strong deal flow could provide better experience and exit opportunities, particularly for private equity or business school placements.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities. If comp and culture are your main criteria, PWP is the clear winner. However, if you value the prestige and optionality of the GS brand for long-term career flexibility, GS Consumer might be worth considering despite the lower pay.
Sources: Offer decision advice, Return to BAML for junior SA offer or accept GS offer?, GS COO of M&A Leaves for PWP, GS/MS/JPM vs EVR/PJT/PWP, Does GS blow for post-MBA associates now?
GS is GS lol. PWP is glorified mm.
Multiple $B+ deals and MFPE exits for a very small class size lol
Clearly a case of I got one (very good) offer but let me try to stroke my own ego by comparing it an undoubtedly better offer.
Stop this bro, PWP is a glorified MM nowadays
PWP is a dying bank
GS offers were given out in January for MBA, so I'm surprised this is relevant now? Ultimately it depends on what you want if you're passionate about consumer GS gets the most mandates and gives optionality, if you're less sold on consumer as a whole then PWP might be more in the running.
PWP is going down, they are not relevant nowadays. I get the hype around EBs, but the only ones you should consider taking over a good GS IBD group are Evercore, Centerview, and PJT.
PJT 🤣
what's wrong with PJT
PWP will pay 2x GS so if you’re set on banking and value comp / culture it’s a no brainer. If you want optionality later of course GS brand is #1.
Bro PWP doesn't do any deals.. you'll be literally spending your days pitching or doing random BD work. That extra 40-50K after-tax is simply not worth it, unless you're really broke and desperate. Do yourself a favor and take a GS, thank you
Sorry to hear you got rejected brother
How’s Guggenheim?
Any specific thoughts on GS Consumer culture v PWP
no one is taking freakin Perella over GS, lets get real here
PWP is a glorified Cantor Fitzgerald. Honestly shameful to even say the firms name in the same sentence as EVR, CVP, or Q
Second year at PWP here. I beg you to take GS. Horrible place to work
so PWP is horrible place to work?
Yes, horrible. Don’t go to PWP if you care about your career
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