For my brother: UBS GIG NYC SA or McKinsey SBA NYC for PE exits

I’m currently a 1st year Analyst at an EB in Rx. I want to hear y’alls opinion on this. I know UBS is pretty abysmal (from my school it was all of the kids who struck out on IB recruiting or H1Bs) and they are slipping drastically.

I was wondering which one is better for my brother to pick if he wants to work in PE after 2 years of working. From what I have seen, it looks like the McKinsey brand might be better for placement.

LMK.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, McKinsey SBA NYC would likely be the better choice for your brother if his ultimate goal is Private Equity (PE) exits. Here's why:

  1. McKinsey's Brand and Network: McKinsey has a stronger global brand and a more extensive network, which can be advantageous for PE recruiting. While UBS GIG NYC may provide some opportunities, McKinsey's reputation and alumni network often open more doors, especially for consulting-friendly PE firms.

  2. Consulting-Friendly PE Firms: Many PE firms, such as Bain Capital, are known to recruit consultants from MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG). McKinsey's strong presence in the consulting world gives it an edge for these types of exits.

  3. Flexibility and Skill Development: McKinsey offers broader exposure to industries and functions, which can help build a versatile skill set. This is particularly valuable for PE, where firms often look for candidates with strong problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.

  4. UBS GIG NYC's Decline: As you mentioned, UBS has been slipping in reputation, and its placement into top PE roles may not be as strong as McKinsey's. While UBS GIG might still provide some opportunities, it doesn't match the prestige or exit options associated with McKinsey.

In summary, McKinsey SBA NYC would likely position your brother better for PE exits, especially if he performs well and leverages the firm's network effectively.

Sources: McKinsey vs. Bain for Private Equity MF Exit, Choosing between McKinsey, Bain, and BCG?, Reputation of Union Square Advisors, FT Partners, and RBC?, Choose Between Two Offers (BB/MBB) - Looking for Advice

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

He should do what he wants to do, consulting or banking.

If he doesn’t have a preference, that is sort of a problem, but, fine — in that case, I would do UBS if he views this next 2y as entirely a means to an end (PE), or McKinsey if he’s okay being a little less PE-minded.

PE recruiting will be more straightforward from UBS, but still “more than possible” from McK. FWIW, anyone older than 30 thinks of UBS as a pretty good bank, for whatever reason.

 

Consequatur vel nobis exercitationem eius maxime repellendus. Eveniet et id eum explicabo placeat nisi fuga. Ut eos soluta consequatur quis dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 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

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
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...”