Comments on: Boutiques vs. Bulge Bracket, Part I

By: Inquisitor

Inquisitor — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:54:11 +0000

Mike: I would put Lazard/Evercore in the same “class” as GS or MS or any other bulge bracket. I don’t think they’re better or worse, just equally prestigious.

Whether or not I would take one of those over a bulge bracket would depend on the group and people more than anything else.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:07:22 +0000

Based on this article, are you implying that working for a “top” boutique is better? Would you take Lazard/Evercore over GS/MS/Mer? I, like you, have heard of the great exit opportunities at Lazard and Evercore

By: Inquisitor

Inquisitor — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:22:06 +0000

Akash: if the economy were better, you would have somewhat of a shot at bulge brackets. With things the way they are though, tons of people are getting fired at every level and at firms of different sizes currently… making it hard to get in anywhere at the moment.

Without any banking experience or a top university degree, I would agree that boutiques are your best shot currently. If you had a great connection at a bulge bracket that could help you get in, but otherwise I would focus on getting into boutiques.

By: Akash

Akash — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:35:00 +0000

I got out of school a year and a half ago (undergrad), and have been working for a rather large financial advisory practice in Orange County, CA. I am leaving the firm to pursue a career in ibanking. Since I did not go to a top university and have no experience in the banking industry, I’m thinking the boutiques are my only option. Is this an accurate assumption? I have a BS in Finance and have had much relevant experience in equity and debt valuations. I am also currently taking an ibanking training course. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks

By: Inquisitor

Inquisitor — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:40:15 +0000

Hi lori,

Barclay’s is an interesting case. It’s not very well-known for investment banking but highly regarded for trading and some other areas. I think it would probably be comparable to middle-market banks in terms of exit opportunities.

As far as networking, I would just be yourself and say you’re curious and interested in the industry. Anyone working there will know you’re looking for a job, so I wouldn’t try to hide it. Just ask about their career paths, personal experiences, what they like/don’t like, etc.

Hope this helps!

By: lori

lori — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:49:42 +0000

Where would Barclays capital fall, I’m working for them this summer, and am not sure which group is better and which is not. what do you think the exit opportunites would look like there? I keep hearing mixed things and don’t really know to to interpret it all. Also, you say “networking” but how do you really start networking whne you don’t know what to ask, what to put in an e-mail without coming off wanting a job?

By: Inquisitor

Inquisitor — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:30:26 +0000

The UBS Tech group in SF is much better than LA, at least lifestyle wise. Applying to multiple divisions/locations is generally fine, but I would not apply to multiple locations of the same division, e.g. NY and SF for one group. Really depends on the bank, though, some make a big deal over it and some don’t.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:38:49 +0000

The more you write about UBS LA, the more I regret not applying there (I applied to the UBS tech group in SF and didn’t want to apply to multiple locations within a bank).

How do you feel about applying to multiple divisions/locations to a particular bank?