MM IB or Top UMM PE ?

I'm an incoming junior SA looking to recruit FT for BB/EB IB. I have offers from an MM boutique where I'll be doing M&A, and a UMM PE firm which is more reputable than the bank.

My ultimate goal is to do IB and then PE, but I want a reputable brand name before going into PE to keep as many options open as possible in the long term. Which would be a better option for both FT BB/EB recruiting and for long-term career opportunities?

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I am a big of a proponent of IB as a breeding ground for a finance career as anyone, but I would pick top UMM over MM IB any day of the week for my first experience. Simply a much bigger name and better branding. Also, for people from non-top-3 BBs or top EB's top UMM is an elite outcome when it comes to PE placements, let alone for anyone coming from MM IB. It would be extremely difficult to replicate a similar offer if not at a top-tier BB or EB, and even then it's still very difficult to get UMM/MF seats these days. Have had a lot more of my analysts strike out of UMM/MF entirely even amongst the few interested in it (for reference am at one of the top 3 BBs in a coverage group).

 

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