Pros
AGC was my first job out of college, and I came in having not interned at the bank (or in investment banking). We had a quick training period and right away each member of our analyst class was staffed on 1-2 live deals working under a senior analyst or associate which gave us immediate responsibility, hands on learning engagement, and a team atmosphere. This is something that I think is very unique to AGC and perhaps one of the most helpful levers for me starting my career. Several of my peers from college started their careers in Manhattan bulge brackets and when I connected again with them after a few months only 1 of 3 was on a live deal and he seemed to have a relatively small and siloed role on that deal. There are of course pros to both, but the fast pace learning, and attacking the next task culture that AGC has instilled teaches its junior bankers more and faster than any other place I have heard about. The team here is mostly home grown and the Partners / Principals have been with AGC for many years, so they care about the firm’s progression and the junior team’s learning, development, and advancement (both within the firm or helping analysts / associates coming out of the program find their next step). As I approach my two-year tenure and wrap up the analyst program, I still find I am refining analyst skills through engaged weekly trainings, which is unique because I don’t think many other banks set aside time and resources for their second- or third-year bankers to continue training. The environment AGC has in place drives everyone to carry their load and work collaboratively to execute at the highest level for our clients. As a young professional, I don’t think there is a better place to grow, learn responsibility, challenge yourself, and develop fundamental skills that will be a foundation for any job. Starting from the top with our C-level down to the interns, the people here care about each other and are happy to make a few minutes for a laugh or to check in. Pros: Strong culture of friendship and everyone is in the office in person with their teammates The firm is learning / growth focused Great upward mobility within the firm Responsibility at a junior level Client interaction at every level Very collaborative Constant deal flow and activity
Cons
I think many of the past reviews / con’s lists are outdated and lead to the misconception of what AGC is all about. AGC has a reputation for long hours in a sink or swim environment, from my experience this is not the case or this has shifted toward a team first culture. That said, the rapid and bountiful deal exposure can spread the team thin and does come with late nights and long weekends where you are deep in excel or PowerPoint, and as the junior team member a lot of the turns will be your responsibility - whether its Tuesday morning or Superbowl Sunday, you always need to be on (such is M&A IB).