Leave Career-Track PE Job for MBA?

Hello Friends,

I currently am an associate at a private equity mega fund (previously an IB analyst at Goldman). I was hired on for a "career-track" role (meaning not a 'two-and-out' program), so I can stay at the firm as long as I would like.

I generally enjoy the firm and the people I work with, but I am totally on the fence about leaving for an MBA or not. I graduated from a state school, and I can't help but feel like I'll be at a disadvantage on paper as my career progresses without an Ivy to provide "credibility."

Question is: Would you leave PE to get an MBA, just to try and recruit back into PE?

Thanks for the help!

 

I would recommend only if you have a promised spot to return to and if you receive admission to either Harvard/Stanford, possibly Wharton. Your background would lend you a good shot to either H/S.

Otherwise, with your background and access to the types of people you most certainly come across on a day to day basis will build you just as strong of a network. The PE world continues to slowly change towards caring less. If you have a promise to return and get into one of those 2/3 schools, then I would say it makes more sense just because people will always be awed by a degree from one of those programs.

 
Most Helpful

^This. Assuming that you like the place your are currently at, the only reason where I think a MBA would be worth it is if you at a return offer. As I am sure you are aware of, PE recruiting is challenging at the MBA level as there are less seats post-MBA than they are pre so the competition is fierce. Given you are already at a MF, I really don't see the upside you could gain, even by adding H/S to your resume. Frankly your work experience is more important and having working at GS and moved on to a MF is all the credibility you need. Ultimately, your career progression is going to hinge on whether you can make successful investments, not your education pedigree.

 

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