Stupid to pick PJT > GS?

I have offers at both, honestly would prefer to be at PJT for the Junior comp, decent culture and perks of being in Mayfair. Just curious to hear how PJT does in terms of exits in London, still want to leave the door to open to MFPE but am currently quite interested in DD and definitely L/S but feel learning at PJT will be exponentially higher than at GS. Honest opinions from GS employees / PJT would be very appreciated.

31 Comments
 

How would you know about the culture at PJT if you haven’t worked with them? Why is comp a consideration if this is not for FT?

 

Would MFPE not be quite heavily discounted by going to PJT considering their early in their M&A and stronger RX presence in London?

I’ve taken a look at exits to some PE shops and don’t seem to see all that much but curious to hear if you have differing views.

 

You can get L/S from either; the main hiring funds in LDN don’t really “tier” banks the same way PE firms do. If you’re at a decent bank you’ll have a shot.

Distressed opportunities are clearly going to be better from an Rx platform

 

Congrats on both offers!

Honestly from my understanding having spoken to analysts and associates at both firms, I would personally take GS given they’re more established in EMEA than PJT

 
Most Helpful

Hey man, I made the move from GS to a HF myself, so I’d definitely recommend GS. Most HFs (including mine) are obsessed with recruiting from GS, especially in LDN. You almost never see people from PJT landing at HFs - GS is by far the top feeder for both PE and HF exits.

One thing to note: PJT’s 2-year clawback is brutal if you’re thinking about PE - it basically locks you out. Plus, PJT’s RX focus is solid for DD, but not ideal if you’re aiming for HF or PE. GS has the rep, the exits, and trust me, you’ll learn just as much (if not more) at GS.

 

HedgedAlpha

Hey man, I made the move from GS to a HF myself, so I’d definitely recommend GS. Most HFs (including mine) are obsessed with recruiting from GS, especially in LDN. You almost never see people from PJT landing at HFs - GS is by far the top feeder for both PE and HF exits.

One thing to note: PJT’s 2-year clawback is brutal if you’re thinking about PE - it basically locks you out. Plus, PJT’s RX focus is solid for DD, but not ideal if you’re aiming for HF or PE. GS has the rep, the exits, and trust me, you’ll learn just as much (if not more) at GS.

hey quick q here, thank you for ur comment btw!

for a move from e.g. GS to HF, does it matter whether you're an analyst 1 - 3 or associate 1 - 3 etc? I understand that an MD will find it typically harder to move from BB to HF but at the junior level, is there mobility from A2A?

thanks again :)

 

Have friends at both places - both equally good for exit, learning experience probably better at PJT due to smaller deal teams and opportunity to work across M&A and RX and all sectors and industries. Comps is an obvious sweetener. From a quick look at Linkedin profiles, exit to MFPE seems strong for PJT lately (Advent, Apollo, CD&R, KKR, Anchorage as well as other credit + HF shops). Seems people also moved more from London to NYC at PJT if that's a consideration down the road     

 

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