Project finance vs boutique m&a financial advisory?

It looks like I might have a couple opportunities coming up where I'll need to make a decision that could lead me down two different paths. I was hoping I could get some help from everyone to evaluate each position. They would both be analyst positions.

The first one is a project finance bank. In this particular office they focus on more interesting projects rather than roads and municipal infrastructure. Things like wind turbines, alt. energy etc. the bank is on the small side and wasn't in the top ten for '12 league tables. Pros are pay and recognizable street name. Cons are not M&A and sweatshop. Would this be a favorable experience for someone who wants to jump into PE?

Second is a boutique M&A bank focusing on a niche industry with favorable long term drivers and is interesting to me. Under 10 employees and they focus on private middle market cos. a really laid back office with a tight knit group of guys. Pros are M&A, hours, and industry. Cons are pay and boutique name.

Thanks guys just wanted to see what everyone thinks. I ultimately would be happy either place I think it's just that each has a few differences that make it difficult to decide. Ultimately would like to be in middle market PE after an MBA.

 

M&A more relevant 4 PE - project finance u may get infrastructure funds since some overlap in valuation (need to confirm)

wuld b moar helpful w/ names of companies :)

"so i herd u liek mudkipz" - sum kid "I'd watergun the **** outta that." - Kassad
 

Thanks for the input. Probably don't want to throw names out there due to the small offices of each bank. The project finance bank is Midwest based with 3 senior bankers and the M&A shop has 4 seniors and 1 junior. I'll probably go with M&A but the pay is below my expectations so I'd be sacrificing on that end for awhile. Cheers

 
ISU_PEVC:

Thanks for the input. Probably don't want to throw names out there due to the small offices of each bank. The project finance bank is Midwest based with 3 senior bankers and the M&A shop has 4 seniors and 1 junior. I'll probably go with M&A but the pay is below my expectations so I'd be sacrificing on that end for awhile. Cheers

Prost!!!

"so i herd u liek mudkipz" - sum kid "I'd watergun the **** outta that." - Kassad
 

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