Pacific Northwest - Seattle/Portland

Sup boys.

Working at a BB right now, just entered analyst 2 stage. Seeing if anyone works in high finance in the PNW and can offer some insight as to how recruiting is, how the firms are, and how the culture in the area is. I've recently visited Seattle multiple times and loved it - although not a huge fan on the political stance most people have, but whatever. Same with Portland, but I have not been there although I heard it is pretty cool.

I'm open to working in high finance in any capacity, not set on PE strictly. Although open to PE, REPE, CorpStrat/BusDev, and perhaps HFs.

Thanks fellas

 
Most Helpful

Seattle has satellite offices for GS and BMO, and Cascadia Capital, Meridian Capital, and D.A Davidson  are the only other notable banks. Lots of tech VC and CorpStrat/BusDev opportunities. IMO it's not worth it to live there if you're in finance. The culture is very different than NY/LA/Chicago, people don't know what banking is and all the smart people are in tech. You will get paid below street, still have a very HCOL, and limited career opportunities. 

The upside is it's the best city for proximity to outdoors, but I would easily take SF over Seattle, as the outdoors are nearly as good there and you have real opportunities in finance. 

Politically, Seattle is very similar to SF. You should consider Denver if that's an issue, still very liberal but more reasonable. 

I can't think of a single reason why you would live in Portland over Seattle. 

SF > Vancouver BC > Seattle > Denver >>>> Portland 

 

Tempore delectus facilis qui dolore voluptates. Nemo vitae cumque sit nobis autem expedita. Quia aut consequuntur nihil et nesciunt. Veritatis tempora vel necessitatibus rerum laudantium unde quasi. Molestias qui asperiores beatae aspernatur facilis aut. Sed aperiam consectetur et pariatur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”