Morgan Stanley vs HSBC, which offer should I choose

Hi,

I'm a recent Master's graduate from a target university and now I'm torn between two offers:


Morgan Stanley:

• Title: Finance Analyst (back-office role, e.g., controlling).

• Salary: Base: €50k, Signing bonus: €6k.

• Location: The city where I currently live, which is famous for banking.

• WLB (Work-Life Balance): Don't know exactly, but presumably decent.


HSBC:

• Title:  Corporate Banking Analyst.

• Salary: Base: €75k, Bonus: +a.

• Location: Not a bad city, but I need to move to it.

• WLB: If there are no projects, 9-6; if there are, 9-8 ~ 11 pm.


Now, I'm in an urgent situation to make a choice. I received the Morgan Stanley offer first and got the contract, too. For HSBC, it's still a verbal offer.


To be honest, I was shocked by the low salary at Morgan Stanley. However, the company's name carries weight. The downside of HSBC is that I'll need to work more and move to a city where I hardly know anyone. But the salary is 1.5 times that of Morgan Stanley.


Considering the above information and the prospect and exit options for each job, what would you choose if you were in my position? Regarding the preferred exit options, I would like to go for consulting rather than staying in finance field. As I'm not fluent in the language of this country, it's not feasible for now.


For your information, I live in one of the biggest European countries, and the salary range for Master's graduates varies, but usually, it's between €64k and €80k. For the Big 4, it's quite low, ranging from €50k to €58k.


Thank you very much for your insight in advance!

Which one would you choose?

Morgan Stanley
11% (1 vote)
HSBC
89% (8 votes)
Total votes: 9
 

I mean depends on your career ambitions but HSBC offer by far. I've met a few MDs in HSBC CB and they love their life - work with the biggest clients on the biggest deals whilst not doing any of the work cause the IB guys do that. Has fantastic wlb for the industry and solid comp albeit lower bonuses than IB.

Wouldn't consider the offer from MS just cause I think back office life isnt the best even with the brand name.

 

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