Obsessed with Bear Stearns

So, I go to a semi-target school and I am about to graduate. Some companies recruit and some don't. Bear Stearns doesn't. I have a full-time offer for a BB (think Citi, DB, JPM, CS) but I have always been really attracted to BS culture - entrepreneural spirit, fluidity between ranks, good promotion rate to 3rd year, associate etc. and I have always wanted to work for it. Is that doable down the road, and what will I be giving up if I decided to pursue this? How easy would be to lateral to BS from one of the above-mentioned banks? Thanks in advance!

 
Best Response
admo415:
I don't think it would be bad at all. Street what group does your friend work in at Bear?

BB, I don't think Bear is that Bad, I know of one guy from their going to KKR next year

Aren't they also leading the EOP deal with Goldman?

This is across groups. Know people in TMT, GIG, LevFin, etc.

They have 1 guy going to KKR, and 1 guy going to another top tier shop. When I received my offer for the summer, as part of their "recruiting effort", they had me meet with both these guys. From what I understand, this year was definitely an anomaly (they don't normally have 2 guys going to these places, but these guys were pretty damn impressive).

Having said that, the way I look at it is, going to bear and then trying for top-tier PE is like trying to get into IB from a non-target. It can be done, but why would you yourself at a disadvantage if you don't have to?

 

IMHO BSC is solid, but I would be hard pressed to pass up any of the other banks mentioned for a spot at Bear.

But, if you really enjoy the culture then it might make all those hours that much more bearable.

 

You are in a unique situation. I've never head of anyone who wanted to "lateral" (if you can even call it that) to Bear. However, if you like Bear that much, I say go for it.Do what will make you happy. People on this board are way too concerned with "exit opps".

 
thatguy123:

especially exit opportunities into a space that will most likely have fizzled significantly by the time they'll be exiting

Exactly, will PE even be hot three years from now?

 

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