RBC vs. Citi vs. UBS vs. Guggenheim
Long time lurker looking for advice. Deciding between the firm’s above, it would be great if someone can rank them based on these criteria:
- Not too big on MF PE, but I can see myself being potentially interested in MM PE -> to that point I’m not too interested in firm “prestige”
- Prioritize pure experience and skills gained from deals done -> this to me would open more doors down the line
- Culture matters to me -> heard positives on Citi and UBS, can’t really find anything updated on Gugg’s culture, as latest thread was from 2017
- growth trajectory -> would assume RBC takes this one
Apologies if this was long, I’m missing any information, or these threads are generally frowned upon, and thanks for any guidance!
Assuming NYC (do note this could be group dependent if you know or hear more about specific group that could change the list for example Gugg TMT/ Citi M&A etc)
Citi -> Gugg -> UBS -> RBC
Think list is pretty self explanatory. Citi is a solid mid tier BB right below gs/ms/jpm. Gugg could be first but really group dependent from what I hear for your analyst experience. I would also view Gugg a step or two down from pjt/cvp/evr.
Yes I’ve heard RBC is getting bigger but UBS is still a BB and probably overall has better placement into MF(if any) and MM PE than RBC. I have a couple friends in RBC and it seems like a hit or miss culture and exit opportunity wise very group dependent. Also even if RBC has huge growth its going to take a while (if ever) for it to catch up to the likes of Citi.
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I'd go Guggenheim all of the way. Have done a few NY trips and met with Gugg people every time. The culture is phenomenal. Significantly less bureaucracy (which is huge for me), solid (but increasingly better) MM PE exits. I think it's growing at a fast rate, not as fast as RBC, but still relatively fast. It's generalist, but if you can get HC or TMT you're set. Better than Citi for sure. That being said, Citi is probably better if you can't get these groups. You have all of these offers, I'd highly recommend calling people at these firms (alumni if possible, as they're more honest) and ask about the culture. Say you have an offer there and want to know more about the firm so you get a better response rate.
Very group dependent but I’d rank:
Gugg/Citi have probably the best exits and experience. RBC is the fastest growing and from what I’ve heard some of the best culture on the street.
Placement is a step down because they are an up and coming EB not an EB. Not sure what GHL is classified as anymore but Gugg may be overall tied with GHL, butif you're in HC or TMT above it and if not, below it.
curious how you're qualified to talk about ghl or gugg given you're a sophomore. what makes you say that about TMT or HC? what are their exits?
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