I've seen the league tables but know that CS has traditionally had the top ranked LevFin and Sponsors groups, while BAML crushed last year. I'm wondering which firm has the best culture and groups for someone coming in at the Associate level. Any advice welcomed, many thanks.
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Do you have offers from both?
entirely group dependent
are you an MBA or a lateral? I ask because you are asking about the Associate role. Both are probably pretty similar and can't go wrong with either, but BAML is a much bigger franchise nowadays based on deal flow.
If you were an analyst looking to exit in 2 years, I'd tell you CS because of the historic prestige, but as an associate I'd lean towards BAML (which also has a killer Sponsor's group too). You really have to be wary of the long-term prospects of the European banks, especially with the recent flip around on the US league tables.
Sponsors/Lev Fin now looks like a JPM/BAML game with CS being 3rd.
Thanks, that's all helpful - and yes, I'm aware of the bifurcation between the US banks (particularly those with balance sheets) and the European banks (esp. the Swiss banks). I know that CS M&A revenues fell 36% last year and more and more of their business is going to elite boutiques, but wondering if culture/group placement/exit opps/historic prestige could be a saving grace for CS.
abacab I appreciate the note about CS LevFin and Sponsors. I'm an MBA with an offer from one of them and waiting to hear back from the other, also waiting to hear from one of the top west coast tech groups which would be my first choice since I'm originally from SF. In that vein, does anyone know the current state of CS and BAML's tech groups in SF? Much appreciated everyone, thank you.
Also wondering what the short- to mid-range impacts of Swiss regulations vs. Volcker Rule is going to mean for deal flow/comp/job security. I know that Basel III hit CS hard and Finma is still circling, but wondering how hard BAML is going to get hit by Volcker.
Did you find an answer for this? I'd be interested in knowing as well.
Thanks!
CS Fin Sponsors vs. BAML Fin Sponsors vs. MS Fin Sponsors (Originally Posted: 01/18/2014)
Does anyone have specific color on how each group ranks relative to one another from a 1) deal flow 2) quality of experience (modeling heavy vs relationship management) 3) quality of life (hours) 4) PE/HF exit ops 5) culture
CS is probably greatest but the most miserable... I dont know about the 2 others but interested as well
interested too
bump
Bump
BAML and CS (Originally Posted: 08/07/2013)
What are people's thoughts on the BAML LA office in terms of exit opps. Also what are strong groups in CS NY besides sponsors. If I'm networking with one office should I not say I'm interested in their office in another location as well (just focus on one location?)
not sure how strong BAMLs LA office is. they still take about 4-5 FT analysts each year but i heard of the graduating analyst class only one got into a mid-tier mm pe shop and the others have no offers with a similar scenario the year prior and one going to business development at a fortune 100 company.
BAML vs CS NYC (Originally Posted: 02/05/2014)
Hello Guys, I am trying to decide between BAML and CS for the summer in New York. The offers are not group specific, but I do have groups that I like in each banks, so it's down to the overall bank decision. Here are my considerations for the Pros & Cons of both groups. I would appreciate it if you could share some thoughts.
baml Pros:
BAML Cons:
CS Pros:
CS Cons:
CS
I would vote for BAML, marginally. Could go the other way if you thought you had even a slightly better shot of getting into your preferred groups at CS tho. Both good options - you're going to get varied opinions on this thread.
At the end of the day, no matter what people say, they are both solid mid-tier BB's and you're just going to have to make a gut choice.
BAML
Sounds like you liked the people you met at CS. Go with CS. Honestly not huge discrepancies between the two so the people are the biggest factor.
sound advice from an SA candidate - def take this advice over other more exp. ppl
Thank you for the replies guys. Would it be safe to say that the instabilities form the BofA & ML merger is mostly gone by now?
Your rationale really does not make sense. They acquired ML over 5 years ago yet you are worried about legacy name and being a player outside of the US.
BAML is one of the biggest banks in the entire world, I'm pretty sure the name holds weight anywhere. You are joining the company baml, you aren't coming from BAS with the weaker name or ML with the stronger name, you are evaluating an internship at one company, BAML. The legacy name will make no difference on your career because you didn't work at BAS or ML.
Regardless, they are both mid-tier BBs, just pick based on what environment you liked more. It should be as simple as that.
since when did the CS office in NY become really really nice?
I was referring to the BAML building being really really nice.
@yeahright, I was referring to the CS name being the better brand because of it's legacy versus the relatively newer entity of merged baml.
BAML
BAML - very strong momentum, comps were highest on the street last year (for analysts)
I think the market condition for BAML is ripe now. So baml.
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