DCM at Middle-Market Investment Bank vs. M&A Boutique

Both internships are located in Frankfurt and have the same duration (6 months). After that, I will do another 6-month internship and then a summer internship (preferrably in the Bulge Bracket).

It would be my first experience. I would strongly prefer to specialize in M&A upon graduation but I remain open to ECM/DCM.

What would you choose if you were me?

 
Best Response

Not exactly the person to answer this, for I'm not in IB (for now, at least).

In the past, I turned down less interesting Big-4 (your PwC/EY/Deloitte/KPMG) position (Compliance) for a CorpFin team in a less-prestigious Big-4-ish (still top-6 globally) and immediately felt the consequences.

A lot depends on your current record. If you have a lot to show off on your CV, it won't matter, but if it's your first real shot, go for a bigger name. It's always easier to go down the food chain than vice-versa.

If you come to battle, bring a shotgun.
 

As I've said fam, take my opinion with a grain of salt — I'm a non-banker from Europe, after all. I can be very much wrong.

If you come to battle, bring a shotgun.
 

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