I have received two offers in the following banks and am in the late rounds for the rest. I just wanted to get some various opinions on what people thought.
Generalist offer at Barcap
Generalist offer at MS
M&A at BofA ML
Greenhill
Moelis
Evercore
I'm not looking for anyone to rank, just opinions on the where I would get the best experience and exit opportunities
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So.. basically what you're asking for is somebody to rank these, right?
I should have been more clear. I apologize. I just didn't want this thread to turn into a dispute over prestige. I'm unsure if I want to go into PE afterwards. When I mean best exit opps I mean broadest, not most prestigious PE firms. I just wanted to hear opinions/stories of experience from these different institutions.
First, well done. Many of your classmates would probably like to be in your position.
Second, you choice is really between a BB experience (MS, Barcap, ML) vs an elite boutique (the rest - assuming you get one of them).
Of the BBs my clear choice would be MS because it has the best brand of the 3 and the least recent/ongoing turmoil.
I don't know much about the 3 boutiques other than they are all top tier. Moelis is the youngest and fastest growing. Moelis also has had incredible success placing analysts into PE. Some people consider Evercore to be, historically, one of the 2-3 best boutiques on the street. I'd say you choice within this group of three would probably come down to your preferences in location/culture. I'm sure some others on WSO probably have more insight.
All that said ... I'd probably go with MS unless you come up with some very good reasons not to. BB > Boutique more often than not as far as brand recognition (especially outside of hardcore finance) and for exit opportunities.
I would agree in terms of BBs that MS objectively would be a clearer choice. However, because I didn't summer there, my concern was that I could be placed in a group I wasn't interested in. At BofA ML I would be guaranteed M&A.
It seems that the analysts on the boutique level seem to get a lot transaction experience. But I agree, the brand name doesn't carry as far
ms is the clear choice, assuming you get that
from there, it really depends what you want as far as exit opps go. the boutiques will probably do a better job getting you into pe, but the bb's will open up more doors outside of pe due to better name recognition
I'd go with either MS or BofA Merrill (if you get it).
I thought there would be more love for the boutiques.
I have the M&A offer at BofA ML.
Thanks for all the opinions so far!
Could you leverage your BofA ML offer to get placed into M&A at MS?
But I personally want to stay away from the BBs. Obviously this would exclude some of the them (gs, barcap, etc) but anyone who's taken tarp money is likely going to face some compensation/morale issues in the next few years once the g20 fallout is over...and I dont think it matters where you are there (ib, s&t, etc.). I think the boutiques are better positioned, but just my personal opinion...
defintely wouldn't take bofa over barcap. but you need to ask yourself a) do you want a BB experience or boutique and b) what groups could you get into if you went to the respective firms.
MS M&A is arguably the best M&A group on wall st; bofa-merrill has a solid real estate and health care group; while barcap has one of the best energy groups. if you go to undergrad business, feel comfortable with modeling, finance etc. take the boutique. You'll have great exits, more responsibility, and access to senior people. On the other hand if your a yale history major, go to a BB and ask yourself which group a) you want to be in and b) what group you can get into
If you want the broadest exit opportunities, you have to go with the brand name. That brand name is Morgan Stanley. There is no doubt in my mind. Many firms have never heard of the Evercores, Greenhills, Moelises, etc, but they know all about Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. In order to receive broad exit opportunities you need name recognition. I've made it clear what my recommendation is in that respect.
Also, stay away from Moelis at all costs. I know several people who summered there and the glitz and glamor is totally over-hyped by WSO.
Can you elaborate on Moelis?
did you summer at BofA?
Are you serious? Damn son...thats good stuff!
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