“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
Citi Chicago is a pretty good place to be as far as Chicago IB is concerned (or at least it used to be a few years ago, my info is dated). Cary Kochman is a big hitter and heads the office, just google his name. I remember hearing someone going to a big Texas firm (might have been TPG or Lone Star, can't remember).
Thanks for your input! Yeah, from some of their recruiting materials, they say they've send a guy to TPG a while ago. I've also heard of Cary - used to work with Ken Moelis at UBS back in the day, seems extremely legit.
And so in your opinion, would working at Citi Chicago provide me ample enough opportunities for PE placement like an NYC BB would? Obviously, it'd be unreasonable to assume that Citi Chicago is like Goldman TMT or MS Tech, and networking for NYC PE firms would be another issue, but I'm trying to gauge whether one would be at a serious disadvantage starting their IB career there.
It's a big boy place to work.
What do you mean by that?
Lot of execution, but it's a sweatshop.
Did an internship in Chicago BB. Have a friend working at Citi Chicago now. I think you heard your information from someone who's probably selling Citi Chicago to you. Don't buy into the marketing, it is not where you want to be for placement.
Hit rate with placement there is far less than half whereas the actual top shops in Chicago like MS place 100%. Just because they sent a guy to TPG (once upon a time it sounds like) doesn't mean anything. The top tier Chicago PE funds will hire most of their kids from NY IBD and the top Chicago shops. And you're right, just in general, working at a Chicago BB (except for the best offices) is going to give you less of a shot for PE than working at an equivalent role in NY. JPM NY is a great place to be, JPM Chicago......not so much.
CS, MS, Moelis and Greenhill are probably the best places to be in Chicago for buyside placement. Barclays and Lazard probably aren't bad either. Citi, JPM, DB, GS, etc. are frankly just a step below in terms of placement
Interesting - I'd heard the exact opposite of your recommendations (that CS and MS weren't great in Chicago but GS, JPM, Citi were). If I may ask, do you mind sharing when you interned in Chicago and where you are now?
For that matter, does your friend not enjoy it there? I went on an office visit and morale seems high. Again, maybe the marketing...
I mentioned this earlier - my knowledge is dated... That being said, what you are saying does not align with what I know (or knew) and fits much better with what @JohnDoe251192" said. For example, unless there have been some big changes at JPM Chicago, your characterization is off - it's a strong Chicago office that does a lot of deals and execution. Placement is solid. I also don't get how you can toss out Citi for sample size issues but include GHL as a strong placement office - they have like 5 analysts (not 5 analysts per class - 5 analysts total. Or like 3 or 4 idk, whatever, it's small).
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