<p>We all know the big names, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, etc.</p>
<p>But after the big BBs, how can you tell how good the quality and reputation is of a certain I-Bank? Are their things you look for that can give you hints? Even for Boutiques, how do you know which boutique has a higher reputation and will give you more quality experience?</p>
<p>Vault has everything you need to know about firms</p>
<p>Vault sucks, its rankings are a joke. Check out forums like WSO, might be able to find people who have actual experience with the firm if it is less well known.</p>
<p>Your best bet is to go by word of mouth. Look into different banks and then groups within banks since while some shops have a darker cloud over them than others, some groups within banks are really tough, while others are much more enjoyable. The key is to check out the forums, ask specific questions, network with alumni and keep your eyes open.</p>
<p>Regarding questions, you will want to look into group exit opps, street reputation, deal flow, team dynamic (such as team events, work load - notorious 100+ hour weeks, etc), and anything else of interest. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>IBanker</p>
<p>Wallstreetoasis is a pretty good forum to check out, but take those comments with a grain of salt. There are some boutiques, like Lazard, Evercore, and Greenhill, that I would consider more prestigious than some of the lower BBs. A few of the better boutiques, in addition to the three already listed, are Jefferies, Moelis, Blackstone (M&A + Restructuring), Houlihan Lokey, Miller Buckfire, Rothschild.</p>
<p>Check to see how many of its former partners have been indicted for securities fraud – fewer = better.</p>
<p>Best advice is to listen to the word on the Street.</p>
<p>If they’re in a warehouse with a bank of phones… Run!</p>
<p>Their carpets</p>
<p>IMO, the most important thing to assess is the quality of what you personally will be doing at the investment bank.</p>
<p>All jobs there are not the same.</p>
<p>^This. Working in back or middle office at Goldman is nowhere near as prestigious or beneficial to your career as working in the front office at a lower BB or MM or boutique.</p>
<p>^Haha… “What should I do? Goldman compliance or BAML IBD? Such a tough decision… BAML is such a lower BB…”</p>
<p>It should be BLATANTLY OBVIOUS that you want to take lower BB IBD over Goldman MO/BO. But it is important to add that working FO really anywhere, even a no-name boutique, is better than MO/BO at Goldman. Unless of course you have confirmation from senior level bankers that it is pretty feasible to make the switch (which typically never happens).</p>
<p>No jump plank on the 30th floor…</p>
<p>
I heard blue horseshoe loves anacot steel… But you didn’t hear that from me.</p>