Relationship vs Prestige - how to choose my summer internship

I am lucky enough to have received 2 offers at BBs in London, one at a top tier (JPM/MS/GS) and the other at a Low tier (UBS/DB). The thing is I networked pretty hard at the the lower tier and had someone refer me which led later to AC and then an offer the same day (though my performance was excellence at the AC too).

I have not signed the contract and recently received an offer from the top tier. I have tried talking to my connection, he is not very happy about that and still wants me to join them. However, I also lack brand name on my CV, coming from a non-target and don't really know what to do. 


Just a last question would you say there is material difference between (JPM vs MS vs GS)  in London if I like the people at one of these firm better or should one always choose GS?  I have received an AC invitation from one of the other 2 and do not know if it is worth doing. 


 
Most Helpful

Congrats on the offers, first of all! You should take whichever job YOU want to, not the job your connection wants you to. Yes he helped you, but ultimately you earned the offer in the interview. If you’re worried about this reflecting poorly on him; don’t worry, it won’t. He recommended a good candidate, they extended an offer, but you were good so you had other offers. It’s not uncommon.

Ultimately the decision you’re making is a personal one, so don’t let yourself be swayed by this guy. He should be understanding of your situation, and if he isn’t then move on. He isn’t a connection worth having if he doesn’t want you to make the right decision for yourself. Take the GS/MS/JPM offer and send him an email thanking him sincerely and “hope you’ll work together in the future” and be done with it. Congrats again!

 

Pick the bank you’ll succeed the most in. Which culture did you fit into better?

With that being said, hands down take the top-tier bank if you liked the culture. I’d say that the brand name is worth it even if you liked the culture of the lower-tier bank more, provided that you liked both cultures.

Your future is in YOUR hands. Don’t let someone else make your decision because they’re guilting you into it. Respectfully thank them for their time and leave it be.

 

Go to Tier 1. You know one person, he’ll get over it and it’s not going to impact his career (nobody’s going to blame him for referring someone who went to GS, far from it). 

 

OP here :

Thank you guys for all your input and I am definitely going with the stronger firm.

Any advice on trying to save that relationship with the guy? or I should just accept it. I am the first guy he referred and feel bad, that it would impact other people trying to network with him later lol

just a last question would you say there is material difference between ( JPM vs MS vs GS) if I like the people at one of these firm better or should one always choose GS?  I have received an AC invitation from one of the other 2 and do not know if it is worth doing. 

 

No material difference between the three, especially in London. Definitely go with the top tier BB over the lower tier one. Congrats on your offers!

 

Go with the top tier bank. A lot of the people you talked to at the lower tier won't be there when you start full time two summers from now.

 

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