Stuck Between Two Offers

Hey guys! I'm a sophomore from a non-target in the southeast. 12 interviews later I've finally talked some people into giving me offers.

The first offer is with State Street Global Services. The group I will be at recently merged with Morgan Stanley's Real Estate PE to provide all their fund administration services. Some of my work would include: preparing quarterly/annual statements, cash flow analysis, preparing fee calculations, and answering ad hoc investor requests. Also, it's paid.

The second offer is at a boutique investment bank in Atlanta that specializes in private placements of LP interests in PE funds. By capital raised they're in the Top 10 globally. Here I would have a more research-oriented role learning the in's and outs of the PE industry and providing leads to upper-level management. Also, it's unpaid.

If my end goal is to end up in a BB analyst program, what's my best bet?

 

I would do State Street. There will be a ton of insight into different funds' management, strategies, and the accounting aspects. Also, since its paid, I'm assuming its more of a structured internship. State Street is also a solid brand name. You should be able to take that experience and transition into an IB internship for after junior year.

The private placement internship sounds interesting, but way less structured and there's a lot more risk involved.

 

I'd take the PE shop. You're only a sophomore and deal experience should be what you're after, not pay (assuming you're financially stable).

You will be doing funds-of-funds work at State Street. I interviewed there my sophomore year as well; turned it down for a private banking offer. Although, it is a brand name, I'd still stick with PE.

I'm from a SouthEast school as well. PM me if you want talk further.

 

Yeah, I was thinking that brand-name would play a role, but I'm definitely a little apprehensive about State Street since fund accounting jobs get bashed so much on this site. Another factor I considered was that at SSGS everyone is from a big four background, and at the placement agent at least 4 of the 13 at the office come from BB backgrounds, so I'd definitely be inheriting a stronger network.

 
Best Response

Yea, OK, its more of a BO role. A lot of people talk shit on BO roles on this site, some warranted, some not. My point is, you're a sophomore. You presumably don't know much. Learning the fundamentals, basic accounting, reporting, and responding to random investor requests will be really helpful when it comes time for your ib interviews. Assuming you go to a target and meet the other criteria - all you need is a brand name, solid internship for your post-sophomore year. Money helps, too.

The private placement boutique sounds like a cool gig, until you realize the partners are traveling 4 days a week getting deals done across the US / globe and you're sitting at your desk searching Google for 8 hours a day. For free.

And even if they have connections that are still with the BB, assuming you go to a target, you'll get introduced to the same banks/recruiting process they would've introduced you to.

 

Dolorem qui aliquam sit a qui autem facere harum. Molestiae non dolore ea velit ad. Magnam nesciunt consequatur placeat illo quia neque velit laboriosam. Voluptates officiis in sed quasi quis repellendus natus. Sed commodi qui eaque dignissimos sunt.

Modi voluptatem ad quis animi qui nihil molestias. Quibusdam ipsa unde quo tempora ad adipisci quia. Est perspiciatis aperiam quo nulla.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”