I know that BMO Capital Markets is a bit unique in the sense that their US investment banking HQ is in Chicago, but their New York office is bigger. I was curious if anybody had any insight on how this impacts firm dynamics: where the MD and partner's are mostly located, where the deals are typically executed out of, and which is generally the stronger office?
01 Mar 2021
Currently based in NY and our team have a large presence in those 3 cities (LA, Chi Town, Dallas) -- if you had the opportunity to relocate to one of those cities, which would it be? Putting all other circumstances aside, let's put yourselves in the shoes of a single 28-year-old male looking to enjoy the single life but envisions to settle down 5-7 years down the road. Other things to consider: cost of living, quality of life, women, etc. Thanks!
28 Apr 2018
Some of you may remember the trending "Is New York City Safe?" thread from a few weeks back. I'm starting to wonder the same about Chicago. I've heard stories about thugs taking public transit and wreaking havoc in nice neighborhoods. Is this exaggerated or is it really that rough out there? And how do current conditions compare to Chicago on a normal day? Edit: [https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/violence-i… Just for reference, this is where I read about the violence at Chicago. Given that crime is up in a lot of cities
16 Jul 2020
NYC and SF look to be the top placement cities for almost all the MBA programs. What other cities fall into the top tier of business opportunities for MBAs? DC? Chicago? Toronto? Boston? Dallas/Houston? Atlanta? LA? I am considering a relocation from western Canada and wondering if there is anywhere worth going with a lot of action and no ridiculous cost of living like SF/NYC. Chicago has always attracted me and I've recently been blown away by how much Toronto has developed. Also it sort of appears as though LA, although a global iconic city, has fewer typical corporate opportunities and is
30 Sep 2016
Does anyone know what the culture is like in the Chicago office? Does it vary at all by coverage groups? Work-Life Balance? Have heard RX is sweaty but haven't heard much about the other groups...
13 Sep 2020
It's sad to see how far Chicago prop trading has declined in recent years. Not too long ago, I envied my classmates and friends who were working at the top Chicago prop shops and making more money than me, while dealing with less bullshit and better hours. Now they hate their jobs, gloomy about the future prospects of the industry and asking me for advice on how to get into top MBA programs. Will things better for the chicago prop shops? Or is the era of sick bonuses for twentysomethings now over?
27 Jul 2013
Hey Guys, Heard that CVP is starting a new chicago office, possibly headed by Rahm Emanuel (former mayor). I'm going to starting soon as a SA at a BB bank on the West Coast, and having explored most of the state, I'm looking to possibly recruit for Chicago for FT opportunities. I couldn't find much about this office (including linkedin), so I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this office (are they hiring FT, what will they cover, etc) and also just information about the Chicago IB space in general. I understand it is mostly Industrials, but was wondering what the top BB/EB players
30 Dec 2020
I'm a late 20s analyst in systematic strategies (risk premia, alternative beta) at a fund in NYC. I'm considering moving to Chicago due to the increased affordability and viability of raising a family in the city proper. However, I'm concerned about the breadth of opportunities in Chicago and whether the city's hedge fund industry is growing or shrinking. Outside of Magnetar, Balyasny, and Citadel (whose NYC headcount keeps growing more than Chicago's), I don't know of any other non-prop shop firms in the city with quant funds. I understand that nowhere will have the number of opportunities as
20 Aug 2020
Hello, To anyone who lives or is familiar with the Chicago market - your input will be much appreciated. I am looking for the best way to get a finance job in Chicago. Quick background about me: I am currently In a Corporate Development Finance rotation program for one of the big three in Detroit. I have a little bit over a year of work experience (not including my banking internship in college). I graduated with a BBA in Finance/Economics (Dec 2016) from a good business school (but not a top 25). I started working full time after. I frequently travel to Chicago a lot and I feel like it has
11 Apr 2018
Hey everyone- I've accepted a job at a trading firm in Chicago- I'm looking at housing and would like to know your guys' input. I have two choices- I can live in a 4 bedroom-3 bathroom apartment (roommates are taken care of by the apartment complex) that's a mile away from the firm. I can bike there within 10-15 minutes. How doable is this in the Chicago winter? Should I just uber when the weather gets brutal? This would cost about 960 in rent a month (I would get a private bathroom) The firm isn't formal so I can go in wearing anything I like. Or do I go for a 1400-1500 a month flat that's a
27 Oct 2017
Curious about Vistria Group in Chicago and everyone's thoughts on the fund? Looks like they just raised a $1bn fund this year and seem to take an "impact-investing" approach to things. Seems like an interesting model but would like to learn more about it. Thanks!
14 Jan 2021
All, In a few months I will thankfully be ending my stint in banking and moving to Chicago to start my PE role. Besides a quick stop to interview in the city, I have never been there before, and don't have a ton of friends in the region either. As such, Id appreciate any advice regarding living situation. My office will be north of the loop, so based on some conversations my initial take is that it sounds like river north / Gold Coast would be the best area for me. I'll be renting rather than buying. I'd like to be an area with lots to do / good nightlife as the improved work life balance is
15 Mar 2017
Hi, I wanted to hear some opinions on these three schools for banking recruitment. I'm probably looking to do 2 years in Investment Banking in NY in a BB and then come back to Brazil to work in PE Megafund. Current BG is 2 years in ER at a local bank and 2 years in PE/ Impact Investing The way I see it Wharton: Pros - More elite for PE job medium term, Stronger network in the region and stronger academics - Cons Living in Philly for two yeras Columbia: Pros- Being in NYC for networking with bankers 24/7, Strong recruitment in BB IBD (Goldman, Citi) Cons: Living in NYC is really expensive
30 Nov 2014
I know there are other threads out there about this, but they are all fairly dated, so I wanted to get some updated info around this office. Are industrials and FIG still the only 2 groups in the office? Which one has a larger presence, etc.?
28 Jul 2020
Who: Financial Professionals and College Students of Drinking Age What: WSO Meetup! Where: Sweetwater Tavern, 225 North Michigan Avenue at Water Street (between the River and Grant Park) When: 6:30 PM 2/19/2015 (Thursday) Why: Meet your fellow primates. Also, because Cries has rightly called me out for not scheduling one in January. Happy Hour Best Practices and Suggested Behavior: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/wso-happy-hour-best-practices-and-r… Not Ridiculously Expensive Parking: Aon Center off of Lower Columbus, at Lake and Columbus.
19 Feb 2015
Anyone hear back from Citi IBD superday today yet in Chicago? They had a couple schools down so maybe someone can let us all know
02 Nov 2016
One big concern with satellite offices is that they tend to be outsourced labor shops for NYC. This tends to be the case with the bulges. Could you guys provide some insight to these Chicago offices?
21 May 2017
Has anyone heard of Auctus Group Inc in Chicago? I recently found an internship posting there. -Judging from their website they are an IB and recruiting firm -Some senior bankers have real IB experience while some are random previous business owners Does anyone have insight? Are they legit?
21 Dec 2016
I am interested in getting a feel for the Chicago long-only AMs or HFs, but am having a hard time finding any legitimate funds. Are there any large long-onlys or others that people are aware of? Would love to get a thread going with a decent list. Thanks!
08 Jul 2020
Sophomore at a target, and recently received an offer from Shore-- wondering if anyone on this forum can comment on the firm (growth, analyst experience, culture, comp, etc.) ? Would deeply appreciate any input, and thanks in advance! firm >>> https://shorecp.com/
26 May 2021
I'm a current junior and this summer I have an internship at a boutique bank in the south, and I was wondering how feasible it would be to get a full-time position at a MM, BB, or EB in Chicago for full-time post graduation. my GPA is a 3.71 and i'm from a semi-target. Any input would be appreciated.
17 May 2021
Ones that come to mind include Lincoln International, William Blair, and Robert Baird. Any other insights?
23 Mar 2016
I am currently in IB in an energy group, but looking to move to Chicago when i jump to PE. On Apollo's website, they have Chicago listed as one of their offices, but on linkedin / WSO there's no trace of them. Is the Chicago office of Apollo mostly support / administrative roles? Suggested alternatives in Chicago?
08 Nov 2017
Can anyone give me any insight into Raymond James investment banking? More specifically, can anyone tell me much about their Chicago and Boston offices?
24 Jul 2014
Other than the obvious Ivies, Stanford, MIT, and Northwestern, what are the best schools to get into banking in Chicago? Seems like Miami U, UIllinois-Urbana Champaign, and Indiana top the list, but what others are there? Any opinions on this?
22 Feb 2015
I start in spring and I'm looking for suggestions. First year mm IBD analyst with office near sears tower. Is being close to work important? Should I rely on the L? Looking to spend 1000-1500/month all in and I don't need parking. I'm pretty unfamiliar with Chicago neighborhoods. I appreciate the help.
27 Nov 2013
I've been researching different cities with strong finance in the US recently and have been stuck between two cities: Chicago and Charlotte. The decision will probably be made by job offers; however, what do you guys think is the better city? All inclusive. I've read Charlotte has been huge in banking in recent years. But Chicago is the Second City... Charlotte weather would be way nicer than Chicago, but Chicago has way more things to do. Charlotte has a lower cost of living, but Chicago is actually pretty affordable. Thoughts? (I want to go into public finance if that's any consolation)
08 Jul 2014
How does their IBD compare with other MM banks in the country and in the Midwest? League tables? What are their best groups? Is Chicago a better office than Milwaukee? What other MM banks are they comparable to?
09 Dec 2014
Hey guys, Seems like a lot of the Megafunds do not have offices in Chicago. Saw on one old thread there were two people fighting back and forth regarding this so I just wanted to settle it out here and see what the real deal was. Do top groups in Chicago frequently place Analysts at Megafunds? If you can confirm, and preferably name specific megafunds you get silver bananas from me. Thanks!
30 Sep 2014
Would anyone mind giving your opinions/advice on the present and future outlook for IB recruiting from the University of Chicago? Based on old threads on WSO and CC (say, 2008 and prior), UChicago seems to be disregarded as being too "nerdy" and lacking social skills and not having great representation in NY. But in more recent threads, UChicago seems to be garnering more respect (as well as higher USNWR rankings) and people have said that there is a growing presence of pre-professionalism on campus, with getting into IBD becoming more and more popular among its students. So, what do you guys
08 Oct 2012
Hello, I'm a rising senior in HS, and this fall I will be applying to one of the schools above Early Decision. I'm trying to decide which would be the best option for me. In regards to an admissions viewpoint, I have an incredibly high chance at admission to Stern, with Northwestern and Cornell both being decent chances (I'm a high stats, great EC URM, who should also write great essays. I don't mean to come off as pompous in any manner. This is just how I feel, especially after talking with my GC and an admissions consultant). I have a decent idea of what I want to do when I graduate, but I'm
23 Jul 2015
I am currently interviewing for a Consultant position with openings in Chicago and NYC. During the interview process I told them I was shooting for $70's for compensation if living in Chicago. However, later on the Firm said they would prefer me to be located in the NYC office. However, after looking at this COL calculator (http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costo…) . It looks like if I make $75,000 in Chi I would need to make $143K to be equivalent in Manhattan...even Brooklyn is $119K. This seems a little absurd to me! I know rent is double in Manhattan compared to Chicago, but is it really comparable to need to double your salary from Chicago to Manhattan in order to have the same standard of living?
19 Feb 2012
Things are getting pretty rough in Chicago. I've been seeing a lot of these thugs near my area, on lake shore drive. They are infesting north avenue beach and causing havoc throughout the nice neighborhoods like the gold coast, river north, and streeterville. This latest incident happened on saturday evening at a very nice area where northwestern med and law campuses are located. I sincerely hope that Rahm doesn't get soft and let these thugs run wild. The chicago cops should bash these kids' skulls, Rudy style. But of course the liberal democrats will claim that these thugs are victims of
06 Jun 2011
Great article on how Citadel consistently gets people to move from NYC to Chicago despite people's regional biases and east coast snobbery. Most people who move to chicago don't want to go back to nyc due to the higher quality of life and amazing amenities. In terms of finance, if you want to do cutting-edge stuff in derivatives, prop trading, hedge funds, Chicago easily beats out NYC. www.cristassociates.com/press/ChgoTribune_092307…
31 Aug 2010
Obviously Kellogg and Booth, and then I'd imagine Ross, Kelley, Mendoza. Does it matter which school you go to to place in Chicago, or do most top schools give you the ability to move there? Is regionality really an issue for placing? I see a lot of the alumni at major schools are in NYC and SF and Boston ahead of Chicago. Is that an issue of the schools not placing well in Chicago or people simply choosing other cities over Chicago?
02 Nov 2016
I already got accepted into the University of Michigan- LSA and my plan is to get into Ross Business School by sophomore year if i decide to go there. I also got deferred from the University of Chicago. If I happen to get in for regular decision, which school should I go to? Which school has better recruiting and gets better jobs? I know Ross is a great school but U Chicago is overall, more prestigious in general, correct? Sorry I'm a noob right now, any help will be appreciated.
28 Dec 2012
Over the past few years, more and more top undergrads from elite schools like harvard, MIT, princeton, stanford, etc., are turning down bulge bracket banks in NYC for elite prop trading shops and hedge funds in Chicago, such as Citadel, Getco, jump, drw. Will this trend only accelerate, or is it an anomaly due to the beating banking has been taking since late 2007?
03 May 2010
I'm currently at a non-target in Chicago and am looking to transfer to a school that's recruited for IB in Chicago. I have applied to Northwestern and Vandy thus far and am considering IU-Kelley. Aside from UChicago, what are some others? Thanks.
11 Mar 2011
hi, whos still looking for summer housing in chicago? i still need a place to live. what do you guys think about SIAC? University Center? or UIC housing any other suggestions.. and is $1000/ month too expensive in chicago?
14 Apr 2011
New York City 2.907%-3.648% New York 4%-8.82% (more tax rates at the bottom of the post) Do you all consider income taxes of different cities when considering living there? I've read before that when city, state, and federal taxes are calculated for a wealthy New Yorker, their tax burden is about on par with London. Another thing that's important are the taxes that the above list doesn't consider: sales tax, property tax, etc. For example, Texas is known for its considerable property taxes. However, I doubt many people on here (I could be wrong) would want to BUY a house/apartment before 30
07 Jul 2015
Several of my good friends have moved from NYC to Chicago in the past year. The consensus seems to be that Chicago offers about 90% of NYC at half the cost. And the lifestyle is more laid-back, and people are not as pretentious as manhattan people. In contrast to NYC, in chicago when you talk to people at clubs,bars, and parties, they're not going to immediately ask you where you went to school and what firm you work at, in order to measure you up.
07 Apr 2010
To all those trolls who constantly argue about how "awesome" the Chicago lakefront is during the summer, here is a sobering reminder of the awfully high crime rate in the city. I live near north avenue beach and personally witnessed hundreds of thugs roaming in my neighborhood. http://secondcitycop.blogspot.com/2010/05/lakefro…
26 May 2010
I have ft offers from both and am torn on which to choose. Both MM with seemingly good culture and deal size. D&P recent acquisition by Carlyle could be a positive.
12 Nov 2013
I was wondering if you guys had any information about the MS Chicago Office? How many summer analysts do they usually take? What are some of the groups in the office? What are their strong groups? And any general information is appreciated.
26 Jan 2012
Hi everyone! I'm a summer associate at a competitor firm (Bain/BCG), and am thinking about switching to McKinsey once full-time begins. I'm just trying to get a little bit more information to use as I prioritize my location preferences in the application. Any help would be appreciated -- feel free to PM me as well!
28 Jul 2013
Any one interning in Chicago this summer that will be staying at UIC?
01 Apr 2013
I've recently decided to move from a T2 cost of living city (Charleston, Chicago, D.C.) to SF, arguably the most expensive city in the country. I've looked at a few cost of living calculators but those factor in expenses that are typically reserved for older people such as property tax and family costs, so they don't seem to really reflect what a younger person would pay. What should a percentage jump in salary be to account for the increased cost of living as a young 20-something? I was thinking about 25% but after some initial research I'm not certain anymore.
15 Apr 2021
Moving to SF but felt this was relevant for every city, especially the high COL ones, but what are some landlord red flags? What are some signs you've picked up that should make me not want to rent from someone? Anything specific to avoid?
15 Apr 2021
I'd imagine a lot of groups in chicago are like little brothers to their NY counterparts, focusing mainly on MM stuff. Which groups in Chicago work on the biggest deals, and rival like NY GS TMT and MS M&A? Do any even come close?
02 Jun 2014
http://thenewsoftoday.com/in-croatia-girl-throws-… [quote] In what has to be one of the most disturbing videos to hit the internet in some time, a video was posted on LiveLeak last evening. In the video, a girl who looks like she's in her early 20′s, is seen throwing 6 puppies into a river. She picks each one up and throws them seemingly as hard as she can into the water.
31 Aug 2010
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