What banks / groups would you lever a GS offer for?
If one has an offer at GS, and hypothetically has had some networking success at places like Moelis LA/MS M&A/PJT RSSG (I know they're done recruiting right now)/EVR M&A or even more broadly any EB, which of those places would be worth going to and trying to lever your GS offer for an accelerated super? Is it worth it to lever a GS offer for Centerview or Laz or something?
My 2 cents, I doubt leveraging will work.
The connection linking these groups are that they are the most prestigious groups to be in. You’ve listed the top 5 most elite groups you could be in - GS (TMT), Evercore M&A, Moelis LA, MS M&A, and PJT RSSG. When you look outside of exclusivity, however, these groups are so different.
How are you going to explain to PJT RSSG that you’re also interested in GS (let’s assume TMT, but really any coverage group) when one is a boutique doing RX specific work and the other is TMT specific M&A? What’s the story for why you’re passionate about RX then?
Similarly, how would Moelis LA take to you saying you’re drawn to their M&A and RX joint structure and tight knit analyst class when you’re also applying to MS M&A, a large bulge bracket that does only M&A work?
I don’t think there is anything wrong with being interested in these groups for being prestigious, as they do provide stellar opportunities. Being at one of these top 5 groups would be a phenomenal place to start your career. But given how competitive the process is, you should be applying to every bank you can think of. However, don’t reveal this during the interview process/leveraging. Leverage with banks in the same realm (EB vs BB, M&A vs RX).