Career Advice - MM Analyst to no-name PE or stay in banking?
Hi guys,
I'm at a bit of a crossroads. I'm a second year analyst at a pretty reputable MM bank in Europe and I've got an offer from a MM PE shop that we advised last year. The thing is I'm not entirely sure if this is the right choice to make.
My branch is pretty much all relationship banking from Associate onwards so I've got little to no guidance on day to day tasks or technicals etc. Up to now I've thought about moving to a larger BB as an Analyst/ Associate and possibly staying in banking for the longer term.
The PE shop is pretty cash rich and everything, but it's only 2 years old with 2 portfolio companies and is far from a household name. Also, having bought a company with them earlier, I knew more about LBOs and the M&A process than the two Investment Directors nominally supervising me, so I feel I'd fall into the same type of work environment, all centered around relationships and big words without any substance - only in PE.
Obviously PE is supposed to be the holy grail for bankers, but I'm not sure whether that's always true. Do you guys at PE shops generally feel you're learning from your superiors?
Also would banking still be an option after a PE stint? I wouldn't want to go for PE-or-bust as I'm not that certain about it.
Appreciate any responses!