| Topic Name: |
UBS- LA Office |
| Message Name: |
ubsinside |
| Date Posted: |
02/13/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
Let me give you the real story about UBS LA
Groups: Financial Sponsors / Leverage Finance/Alterative Investments
Media
M&A
Business Services - Part of the Technology Group
1 MD works on gaming in LA
These are the ONLY groups in LA. I don't know where all the other stories are coming from but this is it. I know, I work there.
Culture:
VERY intense. This office is not for the light hearted. Plan on working on average about 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are some great people to work for but there are many not so great people to work for. They will tell you otherwise but come on, they are trying to sell you so you will come.
As an analyst you really are worked hard and they really don't treat you all that well. You get lots of responsibility but trust me, that just makes your nights longer and more stressful. If you screw up on something, you can generally expect never to be staffed with that team again unless there is really a staffing crunch. This office is not that forgiving of mistakes and once you build a bad reputation, it will always stay with you.
Having said all of this, there is some upside as well. The PE opportunities are great but this is generally because you build so many LBO models and work on a lot of M&A sell-sides. If you are good, you will get a job easily. If you aren't that good, then UBS really can't do much for you. This last part is a fact. The PE part only applies to analysts. If you are joining as an Associate, the PE option does not apply at all. I know of no one who has left for PE at the associate level, even though many are interviewing.
When if comes down to it, if you want to be in LA, UBS, CSFB or Goldman are the places to go for DEAL experience. If you want a good life, then work at Citi, ML, DB, LEH, MS, BS out here. If you don't really care about being in LA, then go to NYC. Your exit options will be just as great and the deal experience will definitely be there. Besides, you will build better personal networks in NYC which will be very valuable later.
You really need to weigh what you want when you decide to go to UBS LA, because there are some upsides and some very tough downsides.
I myself still question it.
Interviewing:
Very technical. Know your accounting and how the sheets link up. Know valuation methods.
know bonds and the types out there and how they rank.
Don't get discouraged if you walk out and feel like you did poorly. Really. The interviews are a chance for the higher ups to make you feel uncomfortable.
Good Luck!
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| Message: |
Hey,
great info THANKS. I am a 2nd year analyst in NYC and really want to relocate to LA and just got a lot of information so thanks. What do you feel are the negatives about working in LA? I feel its all about the weather/lifestyle.
How do the bonuses compare to NYC? if they are comparable then I would say NYC vs LA comes down to weather and just a more laid back lifestyle in cali rather then the rat race of NYC. Any information is greatly appreciated and if you can leave your email I would like to shoot you a list of a few questions if you would like to help a fellow analyst out.. thanks!
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