good place to be a banker in chicago - Analyst William Blair Employee Review

3.0
Apr 30, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Chicago prestige and connections are strong Friendlier than most investment banks Chicago has a low cost of living relative to NY

Cons

NY bankers look down on bankers from everywhere else Some of the middle managers when I was there weren't very effective leaders

Explore other reviews about William Blair

5.0
Jun 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing company, good benefits, good people

Cons

None at the moment honestly.

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William Blair Response
3w
Thank you for taking the time to post a review, and we wish you the best in your career at William Blair!
4.0
May 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great deal flow. Get to work on some interesting deals and you will learn a lot as a new analyst or graduate. Firm has some amazing senior bankers who are really good at what they do. There's room to develop if you really want to do it. But i can't speak for experienced roles / hires.

Cons

Office politics don't matter as much as an analyst but it's certainly there and you'll notice that. Work could be a lot sometimes (benched marked against investment banking standard) and middle mgmt. is pretty weak. And there's no incentives to fix that because it won't affect topline.

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William Blair Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to post a review, and we wish you the best in your career at William Blair.
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