Lincoln or Stephens?

Pretty simple, Lincoln or Stephens for analyst gig? Any additional insights would be helpful. From the south, so the Stephens role (Dallas/Atlanta) would be more ideal location wise, but feel like Lincoln has slightly better dealflow and slightly larger deals (but not entirely sure about that - could be wrong). I will be focused on doing banking long-term so not too concerned with exit ops. Both seem like places that do a lot of promoting from within so that's good. Chicago would most likely not be a long-term place for me to live, so would probably at some point move down south at another shop. If deal experience will be somewhat similar, I'm leaning Stephens due to location but would like to hear other's thoughts. Thanks

 

Would go with Stephens if you're aiming for a longer-term career in banking and want to be in the South. If you're gunning for a2a and you just ride it out at the same bank you will have a near untouchable reputation by the time you're an associate. 

You could also very easily lateral to a bigger more national bank but honestly that might not be worth it. Careers in banking last until you burn out. Once that happens, you're done. So if you're in the city you like and want to stick with banking, could make sense to just stay at Stephens. 

 

I’ve been at Stephens for several years now (A to VP). The firm really supports and wants people who desire a long-term career in banking. Promotion schedule is very structured and it’s fairly easy to reach VP if you are decent. I’m from the south as well and love the good ole boy club that is Stephens. Also, the comp is top tier for the region can’t be beat in Dallas or Atlanta. The culture may not be for everyone though. The leaders are very Jerry Jones-esque and that southern frat boy culture spills out across the firm. Happy to answer and questions.

 

The people who are on here telling you to go to Stephens are 100p Stephens employees! Anybody with a brain in the industry knows that Lincoln is a far better bank, no competition. They will pay you better, you will 10x the exit opps (just linkedin that one), the people there are smarter, and you will work on much bigger deals (on average). Basically, Lincoln is a genuine MM bank, comparable to a Stifel and just behind Baird/HW types

stephens kids will definitely downvote this, so just go read some more posts on WSO and research

 

My two cents:

Lincoln very sweaty, decent exit opps into MM PE, if that’s what you want. I personally wouldn’t want to be a career banker there.

Stephen’s probably the better option if you want to be a career banker. Clearly the people on this forum love being there. I don’t think their exits are nearly as good, but IB comp in LCOL cities is pretty hard to beat, especially if you are from there.

 
unknownmonkey37

My two cents:

Lincoln very sweaty, decent exit opps into MM PE, if that's what you want. I personally wouldn't want to be a career banker there.

Stephen's probably the better option if you want to be a career banker. Clearly the people on this forum love being there. I don't think their exits are nearly as good, but IB comp in LCOL cities is pretty hard to beat, especially if you are from there.

Lol Stephens Atlanta is historically one of the sweatiest teams in country. Doubt Lincoln is that bad

 
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