Debating between NYC & SF postgrad -- just curious about city life in finance

Debating between junior summer growth equity/PE offers (think Insight, General Atlantic, ICONIQ, Francisco Partners, Vista, Summit Partners, Bain Tech Opps) in both cities and hope to go back full-time at both places. I would love both firms so am not really trying to figure out which is the best of these ^^. Comparable top firms for tech investing. Mostly trying to vibe check the cities. I grew up in the midwest and go to school on the east coast (not NYC). Haven't spent much time in either city.

Which is a more fun city in your early twenties? I love the social component of NYC where more of my classmates will end up, but I love the outdoors potentially more laid back tech vibes of SF. I love to go out to bars/clubs etc. Would prefer a bit of life outside of work. Does it make a huge difference for career progression? I definitely am more finance-leaning than tech leaning but prefer the tech culture. Also am scared of there being too much of a tech ecosystem w/ zero girls lol in SF.

Would love to hear about people's experiences.

3 Comments
 

Pariatur placeat assumenda debitis et quo vel. Totam nihil aut libero id. Delectus veniam dolor numquam. Facilis magnam autem et qui.

Enim suscipit dolorem commodi qui iusto. Repellendus quo et aliquam qui.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (356) $61
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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”