Pros
I have been with AGC for over two years now, and I can confidently say that there is no other firm where you will receive the same level of exposure and autonomy this quickly out of college. With nearly 40 junior bankers and 20+ partners, the direct insights we receive and relationships we build are unparalleled. The volume of technology-focused M&A and growth equity advisory allows for fast-paced live deal experience, which every banker knows to be the best part of this job. AGC’s lean deal teams – typically 1 analyst, 1 project manager (associate, VP, or principal), and 1 partner – allow for tremendous responsibility and growth, especially for the junior team members. In my experience, the most rewarding and valuable aspect of being a banker at AGC is learning, building, and driving the client relationships. As you become a more experienced analyst and certainly as a PM, you are often driving critical discussions with both clients and buyers alike. There is simply no other job in which you would be ready for such a vital role in advising key decision makers this quickly out of college, and it’s because you get to watch and learn from the best. AGC turns smart and aspiring young professionals into warriors who dominate every aspect of the job. Finally, the culture section of AGC’s website is no joke. We certainly operate under a work hard / play hard motto. While the job requires a serious time commitment, senior management constantly seeks to make a more enjoyable work experience through amazing company bonding experiences such as ping pong tournaments, boat cruises, golf tournaments, Patriots/Bruins/Red Sox games, and even trips to Bermuda, New Hampshire, and Miami.
Cons
As one would expect, working for any investment bank requires a tremendous time commitment and AGC is no different. Especially early on, if you don't put in the time to master the analyst skill set, it can be easy to fall behind.