Brookfield Special Investments & HPS Updated Views

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights related to compensation, work-life balance (WLB), and culture for mid-level positions in private equity and investment banking:

1. Compensation:

   • General Trends: There have been discussions about raising compensation across the board due to increased on-cycle recruiting compensation. This includes significant increases in AO1 offers.
   • Specific Data Points: For mid-level positions like VP and above, compensation data is less frequently shared, but there are mentions of mid and top bucket bonuses being consistently ~25% below those in other coverage groups.

2. Work-Life Balance (WLB):

   • BAML Emerging Growth and Regional Coverage: WLB doesn't seem to be significantly better or worse compared to other coverage teams.
   • General Sentiments: Some weeks can be light, while others can be extremely demanding. The ability to set deadlines within reason can help manage WLB.

3. Culture:

   • General Environment: The culture can be highly political, but it's possible to rise above it. Junior abusers have been well handled by management, improving the overall environment.
   • Specific Firms: For example, Vista's culture has been described as below average but improving, especially with strides in WFH policy.

4. Additional Insights:

   • Retention and Satisfaction: Compensation improvements are being made due to retention issues. However, the political environment and the demands of the job can impact overall satisfaction.
   • Health and Hours: Managing health and the number of hours worked can be challenging, with some reporting significant difficulties.

For more detailed and specific data points, especially regarding Brookfield Special Investments (BSI) and HPS Strategic Investments, it might be beneficial to reach out directly to individuals currently or previously employed at these firms or consult more recent compensation reports and surveys.

Sources: WSO 2022 Investment Banking Work-Conditions Survey (Part 1/3), BAML Emerging Growth and Regional Coverage, Compensation Reports (Mid-Level), WSO 2022 Investment Banking Work-Conditions Survey (Part 1/3), Perspectives from a mid-VP who started as an analyst