UPDATED CALIFORNIA PRESTIGE RANKINGS 2025
Recently saw the unbiased 2025 prestige rankings post-- wanted to offer my perspective as a MF PE Associate (think KKR/TPG/BX) in California based off recent hires and what I've heard from my buddies at similar shops. Also factoring in what I've seen from the rare consultant that makes it past the interview stage (MBB).
S+ : EVR Menlo, LAZ SF, MOE SF, UBS LA
S : MS MENLO, MOE LA, JPM M&A/HC, BoFA SF
A : MS (rest), JPM (rest), PWP SF, Santander LA, CITI SF
B : Barclays Tech, RBC Tech, McKinsey, GUGG Menlo, PWP LA
C: Bain, BCG, Rothschild, WF Tech, HW, William Blair
D : Deutsche, LionTree, Greenhill, Nomura, Union Square Advisors
Solid list. Matches up with a lot of what I've heard from friends in PE. One small thing though, BofA should be A. Not in the same league as the rest of A tier on deal flow or exits.
Have currently gotten offers at MOE SF, LAZ SF, and am waiting on MS Menlo. Which in terms of comp, WLB, exits would you recommend? Want to end up in a MF PE spot like OP and haven't seen many threads where MS Menlo is ranked below MOE and LAZ.
Last year included multiple TPG, KKR, Carlyle, Francisco, etc. They do place well in MFPE if that's what you are looking for.
MS Menlo will have the best exits by far and likely the worst hours
I would recommend MOE SF. Higher PE placement. WLB is comparable, and at this point, MS Menlo is really just a sweaty capital markets shop. Plus, Michael Grimes is about to leave, so the one thing this group had going for it is going to be gone soon.
Helpful to know thank you!
WLB shouldn't be expected at Moelis group being cross-staffed.....
Moelis SF does have good exits.
Also, WLB is actually pretty good. People come into the office 2-3 days a week at most, disappear on their associates, and there appears to be no consequences…
Analyst 2 complaining about analysts disappearing?? I’m an analyst in the SF office, which associates are you, you pussy
BofA Palo Alto?
Also wow LionTree’s that low?
* Yes BofA Palo Alto.
And yes, from what I've heard from other PE shops (coming from a placement perspective) LT is fairly low and not what it used to be in terms of PE target.
Interesting. I would think MBB would be MUCH higher
It kind of makes sense to me? I think a bankers skill set is generally seen as more useful than a consultants when it comes to PE. But could be wrong
True but McKinsey sf is the shit
Great list man. Agree with this
Anyone care to elaborate on UBS LA? What's going on there.
Moelis LA should be higher, same tier if not slight edge over UBS LA imo
Otherwise solid
Isn't Moelis LA elite?
Yes this list is completely off base with its Moelis ranking (SF is appropriate if not a bit high, Moelis LA is one of the most desirable shops in the country and certainly on the west coast).
F: UBS SF
thoughts on Tidal? the CVP spinoff. been on the come up as of late, curious to hear how they compare
S+++
I have never thought to make a WSO account and normally just scroll through the comments, but I have to say that this is one of the worst posts I've ever seen. You're an "ASO at a MF" but are putting CVP Tech at S++ tier. All the people from CVP tech left for Tidal partners and the tech team does not see good deal flow anymore. It's their HC team and anyone who knows what they're talking about would know this. Also Moelis SF over Moelis LA and MS Menlo? Get off your high horse and get a grip dude
Agreed.
Moelis SF does exit extremely well and it’s a good shop… but not better than Moelis LA (outside of tech PE exits) and I’m sure on par or worse than MS Menlo.
Its about prestige tho lmao
Dogshit list
Dont make these unless you know what youre talking about
Completely agree, OP does not know what he is talking about
Assumed this was for sure rage bait given how completely wrong this list is but people are actually approving of it somehow lmao
what is the right list in your opinion?
I'm sorry, but putting McKinsey in a tier with RBC and a tier below Santander is insane.
Yes. Ridiculous. No world where McK SF exits worse into ANY field / role than RBC SF.
Why is UBS LA S+ lmfao
Insane
maybe their levfin team or sth? i have no idea and definitely not working at ubs la or any ubs lol
In what world is MOE LA MOE SF, particularly for SF recruiting?
They should both be S+ if anything (MOE SF office does exit extremely well), but MOE LA placement is incredible.
The fact that you put "Santander LA" in the same tier as MS and JPM shows that you're not a MF Associate at "KKR/TPG/BX".
Worked at MOE SF. Exits aren't "incredible" anymore in LA and haven't been for a while.
Wrong lmao.
Anyone have any thoughts on Citi Tech? How does it compare to LAZ/BoA/JPM Tech
S
.
This list is so horribly inaccurate it’s not even worth the time to debate.
However, I got to know, what’s the story behind Moelis SF? What or who did they poach recently to become this coveted. Their SF tech group used to be one of their least desired groups. Like people legit taking offers at MMs over it.
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