Job Advice: Consulting vs. PE vs. Private Lending

I am new to Wall Street Oasis. However, I am struggling with making a full-time job decision and think that you all might be able to offer some advice. I am currently a senior at a target school, completed an internship last summer at a hedge fund, and have offers from the following three firms: (1) a MBB consulting firm, (2) a MF PE firm, and (3) a smaller private lending firm (with approximately 1 billion AUM).

Like many seniors, I am not exactly sure what I would like to do in the future. Therefore, the MF PE firm offers a brand name and potentially better exit opportunities. However, the smaller private lending firm might allow more career growth if I do decide to stay (although I am not sure if I would like to pursue a career in private lending).

What are your thoughts? Which offers the best exit opportunities (and most optionality)? At what firm might I be able to have a career (rather than leave)?

Thank you!

2 Comments
 

Consequatur non quo expedita qui. Ullam quibusdam repudiandae dolorem animi laboriosam maiores sint cupiditate. Id perferendis aut ut vel. Repudiandae vel in nobis quisquam quis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”