Would you rather take the top group at a lower tier BB (CS/BAML/Barcap/Citi) or mediocre group at top tier BB (GS/MS)?
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Citi M&A and CS Sponsors > mediocre groups at GS/MS. Stop calling CS/C "lower tier"
This. When you are considering banks that are in the same league, group/team/desk strength easily trumps any minute difference in brand name that you perceive there to be
Why would you want to be in a group you consider to be mediocre? But with that said I would definitely take a top opportunity at like CS or Citi or even BAML over one that I consider mediocre at GS or MS.
First, knock that silly shit out of your head about "lower tier" BB's. There's plenty of BAML or Citi analysts that could run circles around a number of GS / MS kids. FYI, in my limited experience / exposure, I've liked all the folks I've met at "tier 2" BB's on a personal level / likability to the n'th degree better than some of the folks I've met from GS / MS and that plays a big part in PE recruiting, i.e. culture fit.
W/ PE, it comes down to a candidate being sharp / knowing their shit and backing up, fitting in w/ the culture, working at a BB or notable bank, and one's deal experience. If you're a badass coming from anyone of the banks you listed and have the drive to land a PE gig, you'll get your interviews. It's not rocket science chief. Sure, some PE shops have their favorites; but plenty of kids from all of those banks have gone to top shops a la KKR, BX, TPG, etc. Don't worry about what PE shop will think about your fucking bank or group, just focus on being hot shit at wherever you land and the PE jobs will come. I will caveat with, certain groups in general are better for PE. E.g. if you're in a consumer, industrials, m&a, or lev fin group you'll be a little more attractive than a nat resources, FIG, or ECM / DCM candidate given the type of companies that PE shops typically invest in. But again, if you can model anything under the sun, have been on some hot deals, and are a cool person it's all yours.
B school it's even less relevant. If you go to a top 3 school, there'll be kids from GS's and MS's and kids from no name bucket shops. Yeah, if you are GS for 2 yrs then BX for another 2, you'll probably be a straight shot for HBS. But so will a no name bucket shop guy who did 2 yrs adding value at a renewable energy company w/ a lot of career potential.
What's your definition of "mediocre" at GS?
Thanks to above posters. Would also like some other perspectives.
Well what are you concerned about the most? Exit Opps? Culture? In terms of exit opps, obviously CS FS would be better than a middle-of-the-road group at MS. But what is your definition of a 'mediocre' group at a '1st' tier BB?
I would rather take the job that I thought was more awesome. AKA, where do you like the people better?
x
I'd also consider what the "top group" is, and how it aligns with your goals. Like if you had an offer for BarCap Energy, but hated the sector.
The reverse holds true. If your mediocre offer is for a sector you love, go for it. I'll also echo all of the standard advice about group fit.
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