Pros
AGC is an incredibly unique firm that offers unparalleled experience, skills, and camaraderie. First and foremast, AGC has a better culture than any other bank or group on the street. Fit is a significant hurdle in the interview process, which helps cultivate both a senior and junior cohort that are great to work with. These individuals obviously check the box of being smart, interesting, and motivated but that likely isn't too dissimilar from most other shops around. What makes the culture unique is the intense collaboration and friendship. When you are in the engine room for 80-100 hours a week, it is imperative that you foster friendships with the team around you in order to make your experience a group effort as opposed to an isolating individualistic one. At AGC, everyone in my class and the classes around me instantly become very close friends, collectively discussing questions and complex problems during work hours and hanging out after hours. I am proud to say that I've made lifelong friends at AGC. Beyond the culture, AGC provides an unparalleled working experience at the junior level. I have a number of friends who worked at larger New York investment banks, including my sister who worked at a premier bulge bracket. I can say after consultation with those individuals that AGC, without a doubt, offers far more at the junior level when it comes to developing your client communication skills (as a first year, I was leading calls with the client after I had proven my ability to execute the topic of discussion effectively), complex modeling skills (first years are expected to begin taking the reigns on the operating model / funds flow), and experience (after two years, all the analysts in my class had closed 5+ deals). Finally, AGC provides a platform for all when it comes to career development. While at other firms, anything other than rising through the ranks is considered taboo, AGC fosters a culture where all are encouraged to pursue whatever career path best fits them (i.e. staying at AGC as an associate, PE, or corporate development). AGC is the only firm I've heard of that brings in alumni who chose to move onto PE / corporate development to share their experience on recruiting / that career path. Those that have chose this path have landed at extremely successful shops and have done very well due to the experience AGC provided. For those who want to continue on their banking journey, AGC offers accelerated promotion cycles and above market compensation. In conclusion, I couldn't speak more highly about AGC and would strongly encourage all looking into investment banking to seriously consider AGC.
Cons
Like all investment banks, the junior team is expected to work long hours.