thoughts on offer from somewhat no-name shop

Received and subsequently accepted an IB summer analyst offer a few months ago from a somewhat no-name shop. May be known in their industry-specific sector but otherwise, definitely not. Firm was created a 1-2 years ago and from what I can tell, culture and pay seems awesome. Bank is somewhat small (50 employees) centralized in NY but in the process of expanding to other locations. However, 3-5 MDs/partners that founded shop were very well known (global co-heads of their industry-focused group at MM/BB banks). They have extremely solid deal flow (due to relationships these MDs still have from their time in banking).

However, I definitely do want to exit to buy side after 2 years. Going to be hard to do it from a shop like this, so wanted to know if there are any considerations I should have going into FT analyst recruiting and talking about this during interviews.

Appreciate any thoughts, comments, and experiences others may have had in similar positions.

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Absolutely nothing wrong with it. If you like the sector, location, etc. Go enjoy the internship and learn something. If you want to try and recruit for another firm later that's OK too. If this is your option, be happy with it.  There are plenty of downsides to big banks as well, so you don't need to end up at BB, despite what it may feel like when you're recruiting. 

Yes, there are plusses and minuses to every size bank. Exit ops, work life balance, deal types, team sizes, etc. But getting a banking internship is hard, regardless of what bank you end up at, so you should be proud you got this one.

I remember when Centerview was a little no name shop too...

 

Excellent advice. I know it sucks to see your friends landing BB/EB offers, but you made it into banking and that is a huge accomplishment. If you're dying to be at a BB/EB it's not hard to lateral once you have a year or two under your belt - banking experience is extremely valuable whether you want to stay in the field or go to a different line of finance.

 

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