“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
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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