which offer is better

Which opportunity is better?

I'm from the East Coast and I want to go back to NY and work in IBD or PE. I was wondering which internship is better and provides a better experience, a top BB in Chicago, or a top boutique in NY. I'm only a junior, but I would expect that working in Industrials or Consumers isn't too exciting, whereas the the boutique SA programs are generalists.

Thanks...

11 Comments
 

If you really want to be in NYC, then that's the obvious answer. And if it's a top boutique, you'll get great experience. Most of the chicago offices of BBs focus on sectors like industrials and consumer goods, so unless you're really interested in those areas, it's not worth interning there.

Having said that, Chicago summers are pretty sweet. You'll be missing out. I love NYC, but that place is a nightmare during the summer.

 
Best Response
jjc1122
jhoratioThe closest place to Chicago in the summer is maybe Miami. That said, NYC top boutique is my call if you want to be in NY eventually. If it really is a top boutique that is.

Chicago has been described as a fresh water Miami during the summer. Very different demographics and culture though.

+1. Its one of the few cities in the country where you can:

A.) Walk to the beach after work if you get out before 6 in the summer. (Might happen if you work in trading; not in IBD) B.) Strike up a conversation with a random person on the street on your way there. C.) Get 18 inches of snow in two or three days during the winter. D.) Find out what ice diving is like on the largest freshwater lake in the world.

 

I would go with the top boutique in NYC for 2 reasons: 1) you want to be in NYC (although this by itself wouldn't warrant picking an average shop in NYC over a top BB in Chicago) and 2) you probably want to go into M&A or Lev Fin (or at least definitely not the industry groups you would be placed in at the BB considering your sentiment when you described them) - in this case, you should go with the top boutique in the generalist shop.

Choosing between a top BB and a top boutique is a problem most people on this site would love to have. Make the most out of whichever opportunity to choose and don't second guess yourself. Again, my choice is the boutique, but either way, it's a great opportunity - good luck.

 

Nulla nam consequatur eaque doloribus rem officiis quis modi. Soluta autem voluptatem aperiam et. Maxime ab veniam alias itaque. Amet modi modi quos. In est vitae in rem sint eaque. Voluptatem qui magnam vel rerum tempora dolore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”