I don't agree that working at GS/MS IBD should be a "no-brainer" over an FT position at a Lazard/Rothschild/PWP and I happen to have offers for both.
Should I trade a larger network and name (GS/MS) for the opportunity for greater deal involvement, closer relationships with senior bankers and client exposure (at boutiques)?
I'm not sure yet of whether I plan on doing an MBA either.
Thanks.
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think about the next step... the boutiques obviously place well on the distressed side (HF/PE), so if you want to go in that direction that works...they do well also at the megafunds, but not as common to see when compared to GS/MS. If you go to GS/MS, make sure you get the right group/experience...at a boutique, you have no option to hide, so you will be getting great modeling/transaction experience...
so in sum, would depend on the group you get at MS/GS...and what exit you want after your two years
I had this very dilemma too.
With a MS/GS, you have a pretty stable career path in that the brand will guide you far and the deal flow will be definite.
With a boutique, the opportunity is more varied and exit opps will really come down to your particular experience. Furthermore, since teams are much smaller, it is crucial that you enjoy the team members you are working with--else your experience might be much more miserable than at a BB.
.
What about restructuring deals at the boutiques. Those guys get similar exit ops though slightly more toward distressed debt.
How would the two options compare in terms of business school prospects? If your goal were HBS/Wharton, would going to a top boutique help you any more or less than the GS/MS name?
for bschool, GS/MS is prob better; but in reality, it's what you do after analyst that counts more (PE, corp, etc); since MBAs typically want more experience than a person who's grinded spreadsheets for two years only
FYI, "closer relationship" with senior bankers is NOT necessarily a good thing. Trust me. It can end up being ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE.
jimbrowngou, elaborate?
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