Goldman Sales & Trading vs. BCG -- Sophomore Internship
For a little background on myself, I am a sophomore at a very non-target state school, with a strong GPA and strong extracurriculars. I was lucky enough to land 2 extremely competitive offers for next summer, one with Goldman Sales & Trading in NYC and the other with BCG in Boston in their Growing Future Leaders program. I am very conflicted between the two for a couple of reasons, and I would appreciate any advice towards approaching or making the decision.
Long term, I am hoping to break into VC on the west coast (with a focus on high-tech startups). If I were to go the GS route, right now I think I would try to lateral into IBD for my junior year internship, and I'm looking more at EBs for that transition as opposed to IBD at GS or another BB, so essentially my primary concern is consulting vs. IBD. The fact that I have another summer ahead of myself, however, is another extreme consideration, as I would still have the opportunity to try something else out before making my final decision.
I would tremendously appreciate any help in making this decision. Thank you!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the BCG one doesn't sound like a "real internship" (more of a flag for high potential candidates).
If it's not an actual internship, I'd go with GS 100% if I was you. Better aligned with your goals too.
The BCG one is an actual internship, just a diversity exclusive one. Also, in terms of the actual work I would be doing, I believe the BCG one would be more hands-on, as opposed to working in a more shadow oriented capacity at GS (as I would not have any trading licenses).
If interested in a VC route especially working in the West coast I suggest BCG, as consulting is one of the hottest fields currently. The decision is yours but two really good offers!
Thanks for the suggestion! Right now I am definitely veering towards BCG.
if you are not passionate about markets...then don't do a S&T internship...it will be a waste
Thanks for letting me know! I do enjoy keeping up with the markets, and the fast pace of S&T does speak to me, but I don't know if I could see myself trading long-term.
A consulting internship with BCG would set you up for some serious VC success. If you want to work at a VC, I strongly suggest applying for Dorm Room Fund. Apps just went out. Other than that, I suggest the following: Sophomore Summer: BCG Internship Junior Fall/Spring: Found/build something (it can be a laundry startup, make a few products on product hunt/intern at a series a/b startup). Junior Summer: Intern at Insight Venture Partners/TCV/Summit/TA or IB TMT Senior Year: Hopefully have a return offer from one of those growth equity funds
Thanks for the suggestions! I am seriously considering IBD TMT for junior year, but the growth funds you mentioned look interesting.
I always thought VC was more of an exit from IB or consulting as opposed to a job right after undergrad; in your opinion, would it be more feasible to continue BCG for a couple of years post-grad and then try to move into VC, or work through the pathway you mentioned and try to break into the industry right after college?
Not really. It's hard. Consultants don't think in a similar fashion to VCs. Consultants are structured thinkers based on tangible data, whereas VCs are thinking opportunistically and assessing on more than just data.
If you can get an IBD TMT @ GS/JP/MS/Q I'd def do that. People who work at those shops have exited to great funds like Sequoia/Spark/Redpoint.
Seems like everything you say and think points in the direction of not wanting to do S&T... I think your choice should be made, no?
You are right... I think my main reservation for taking BCG was the potential of souring my relationship with GS by declining them; hopefully, if I decide to pursue an opportunity with them in the future, they do not consider the fact that I declined them previously as a point against me.
they won't care...nor will they remember. the firm is too big.
Great offers!
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