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It's respected, but as I said earlier, the exit ops presented will likely be FIG and FIG only. There isn't a whole helluva lot FIG buyside opportunities because of the restrictions, and if you get stuck in FIG for a few years it's going to be difficult to switch into any other group in banking. Sandler is a good group with good dealflow, but you have to understand that the valuation techniques and other technical things you learn in FIG will be very, very different than any other industry. Interest is the main source of revenue and expense at FI, so you lose out on all the EBIT and EBITDA multiples.

I interviewed with Sandler and know that the Analysts are really good people. I spoke with them a few times regarding what I typed above, and they echoed what I am trying to say - it is VERY different and tough to go FIG --> any other industry. And they said PE is extremely difficult to get into, HF a little bit easier. They basically said you become entrenched in FIG and can only lateral into other shops if it has FI group.

In my opinion, I'd try contacting one or two of the analysts you met with and ask them about this. Great group, lot of work right now, and I'm pretty sure you get paid very well, but if you're looking at exit ops, it may not be the right place.

 

I wouldn't mind staying at the firm and moving up as an associate, but I would like to eventually go to B school and break into PE. I've heard, though, that it is more difficult to get into PE with an MBA if you've never worked in PE prior to B school. At this point, I will take your advice and bring up possible exit opportunities and ask how much the professionals and HR help their employees move on to their next desired step.

 

Is this FT or SA? Sandler seemed like a great place to work. Everyone seemed to work hard and enjoy their work, but I'm certain it's far more difficult to lateral into other groups from FIG then it is from another group. I'm not sure about the difficulty in moving to post-MBA PE without pre-MBA PE experience, especially if the only banking experience you have is FIG, but it's something I would certainly look into.

 

This would be SA. If the environment you describe is accurate (great people, a lot of work, well paid), I would be completely content to stay there long term. Although I would like to go to PE, the reasons for which are primarily monetary, if I could move up in Sandler to the point at being well compensated and having a little more flexibility in hours, I would be more than happy staying there.

What did you interview for, SA or FT? How did the interview go? Did you enjoy being at the firm? From what I've read, they seem to take care of their employees.

 

i know someone who works there, its supposed to be a legit financial institutions firm. what are exit opps and comp from Sandler O'Neill like? seems like the culture is slightly more laid back than the BB's but more intense and rigorous than your average MM.

its supposed to be a REALLY small firm... like ~300 employees if im not mistaken.

 

nystateofmind, what the hell are you talking about? How does "LOL @ near the top of the league tables." add any value to this thread. This idiot is probably sitting at home in his bespoke suit playing with himself while he scours these forums looking for the opportunity to post some useless comment.

 

Ive worked on a prospective bank deal with them in the past and have been generally impressed. They are a strong middle market player and they have a solid reputation. I assume they have been as affected by the downturn as many of the other players but from what I know most of the senior guys have remained in place. Not sure about exit opps but that should be the least of your concerns in this environment.

 

Thanks.

I'm looking for experiences specifically within banking, though. I have an interview coming up and would like something insightful to speak about. M&A, strategy, or capital raising info would be helpful. I know they are known for their thrift shop, but thats about it.

Firm culture, or anything else relevant about company/employee fit would also be extremely helpful.

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