Currently looking at Baird (industrials), Raymond James (industrials), and Silver Lane for analyst positions. My other option is to go into Rx Consulting at A&M or MIII Partners. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Financially all these firms are offering similar pay with similar bonuses. In terms of exit opps, I'm stuck between going to PE or entrepreneurship.
| +95 | [2026 - October] Unbiased Prestige Rankings | 58 | 31m |
| +88 | Who is the final boss in Houston Energy? (GS, JEFF or EVR) | 23 | 4h |
| +81 | You should probably leave IB | 27 | 7h |
| +46 | Why Do We Turn Comments? | 11 | 2h |
| +43 | Tomorrow Will Be Better | 5 | 4d |
| +41 | Moelis PCA vs Lower tier BB Coverage | 30 | 1d |
| +26 | Lateraling as Analyst | 25 | 1h |
| +26 | Banking (Un)fortunately Still Needs You: My Case for Bankers in the AI Era | 4 | 2h |
| +24 | How much should you ask questions / seek feedback as an intern? | 9 | 14h |
| +24 | UBS IB #24 in US M&A in 2026 | 10 | 11h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Silver Lane was acquired by Raymond James....
Yeah, but it;s still operating under Silver Lane until the acquisition is complete (sometime in late 2019 early 2020).
so why not just join Raymond James?
Well, Silver Lane would be for FIG while the raymond james offer is in industrials. I'm a bit confused on your approach
FIG= lower exit opportunities
FIG also is one of the most profitable groups at many banks on a head count basis, unfairly treated here.
FIG is one of the most technical groups you can join in IB, do not discount the value of the experience. It is true you can get pigeonholed into FIG work in terms of buyside opps, within a bank FIG analysts and associates are valued by other groups. I know many FIG analysts at BB banks that switched to industry or product groups and think it's a piece of cake compared to their work before, and are performing well because of their earlier technical experience
FIG does not get lower exit opportunities, they just have less optionality and most likely FIG related exits. Working at a top FIG MF is not a lesser opportunity than other MF PE work, it's just more niche
Are the IB offers in the same city? Is it Chicago? If so, I would lean towards Baird
Also, considering your goals of PE or entrepreneurship, I feel the IB offers give you the most optionality
All of the offers are in NY except for Baird, which is Chicago
That's my initial thought process. The only thing is that A&M is one of the best at what it does and is basically the same amount of $ as IB but basically around 60-70% of the hours. Wouldn't this allow me more time to focus on entrepreneurship, while still leaving the door open for PE?
I would agree it will give you more time for entrepreneurship but it won't open the same doors for PE. You will be much more specialized than an IB analyst in industrials and will likely have to look at Lending (Sub / Mezz Debt) shops or distressed buy side opportunities. I would say the Baird offer makes the most sense, it is the best one out of your options.
Also the money you will save in Chicago vs NYC is also something to consider as it leaves you with more resources to start your side-hustle / entrepreneurship venture.
I think at A&M you will likely be working close to the hours of IB. It is a great role if you're interested in something more operational and would probably set you up well for distressed investing, but I don't think it's a cakewalk hours wise.
If you're indifferent on location, Baird hands down
Baird in chicago is definitely a top group if you want to stay in chicago long-term
Isn’t M-III working on the Sears restructuring? I agree with the others. Baird Chicago seems to be the best choice if you’re location agnostic and want to go into PE
Porro blanditiis sed omnis alias necessitatibus. Nulla vero quia nobis quo. Aperiam deleniti fugit eos et qui impedit molestiae blanditiis. Saepe facilis dolor necessitatibus est expedita et molestiae. Hic sunt est est voluptates qui.
Natus architecto ullam ipsa aut atque quidem dolore ipsa. Aut error repudiandae libero odit inventore. Placeat dicta earum voluptas neque tenetur.
Repellat ratione et corporis qui nostrum. Libero atque consectetur quis voluptas autem qui. Est iure id qui neque et commodi.
Eaque reprehenderit excepturi dignissimos nobis quis. Quos rerum necessitatibus culpa quas iure porro debitis. Quod necessitatibus beatae distinctio molestiae architecto. Necessitatibus quaerat omnis veritatis omnis voluptas. Quidem minus maxime dolores nobis voluptatum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...