Which boutique?

Sandler O'Neill + Partners in NYC, BB&T in Boston or Revolution Partners in Boston?

This is more hypothetical and for the sake of argument, but if you had to choose between any of these firms, which would it be? I know that BB&T is known for its training program, but it seems like Sandler O'Neill is fairly well respected in NYC. What are everyone's thoughts?

5 Comments
 
Best Response

Depends. Sandler probably has the best reputation and dealflow of the three, but they're also FIG. So you'd really be pigeonholing yourself because FIG valuations are entirely different than valuations in other industries. If you're certain you want to work in FIG, then go for it, but if you don't get a FT offer from them, you will basically have to interview for FIG roles in other banks.

BB&T... I'd say no. I don't know much about them, but they strike me as a retail bank with a crappy investment banking arm.

Revolution Partners is pretty cool. It's in a decent location for tech, and it focuses straight up on M&A. Granted, right now that means they're doing nothing, but if you're of the belief that when the markets begin to thaw, tech will be one of the first industries to jump, this might be a good choice.

Personally, I'd go with Revolution Partners for my internship. If you decide you want to work in tech, you'll have tech experience, but if not, your valuation skills will carry over to the other industries. In my opinion, it's just too early to only get FIG experience, especially if it's not with a BB.

 

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