Exit Opps from $2B+ PE Fund in LA (direct from undergrad)
I'll be starting as an analyst in July at a PE fund with a little over $2B in LA (they've been doing really well recently). It sounds like the experience will be excellent, but I'm wondering how this potentially unfolds down the line.
Do I still go through PE interviews in a year and a half? Is it difficult to switch firms (whether they're larger or not)? Do I stay in PE for only 2 years before MBA or wait longer?
I've crawled all over search but there's not much insight there since direct from undergrad PE isn't common. I'm really excited about the opportunity but just a little unsure about how this all plays out down the line.
Thanks.





+$2 bn is a decent size fund,
+$2 bn is a decent size fund, and would guess your senior guys likely are fairly well known among the LA PE community, so don't see why you wouldn't be considered for formal PE recruiting in 2014; as most funds consider PE experience in addition to a traditional 2 year IB program.
Could probably give you some more clarity if you wanted to PM me the specific fund.
Why are you already
Why are you already considering exit-op? This could be a place where you work your way to the top. Your mindset is off. Alternative investment classes (PE, Hedge Fund, Venture Capital, etc) is commonly considered the end of the line in investment finance- the most likely opportunities for a typical employee to make out-sized amounts of money. Why would you even be thinking of leaving before you arrive?
Bene qui latuit, bene vixit- Ovid
I appreciate the response
I appreciate the response rls; I'm not necessarily closed to that possibility (of sticking around), I just want to be aware of what the available opportunities are (including possibly staying--I'm definitely not opposed to that in theory).
Also, considering I'm just graduating, the probability of this being the end of the line is fairly small, especially given my desire to pursue an MBA (of course, that may change, etc.).
Just trying to gather info!
What firm are you at? I'm
What firm are you at? I'm going to be working a SA at a bulge in SF and was considering doing PE in LA after 2 years.
what will you be doing there?
what will you be doing there?
Trojan: At the risk of
Trojan: At the risk of sounding incredibly ignorant, it should be the regular entry-level tasks assigned in PE, such as, if I understand correctly, due diligence (including traveling), evaluating potential investment targets, etc.
The interview process was ridiculous and the final round included making a presentation (with accompanying model) for a hypothetical investment they proposed (real company but fake scenario)
Anyone else have input?
Anyone else have input?
what is pay for PE with no IB
what is pay for PE with no IB experience/straight out of undergrad?
just curious
you can interview for other
you can interview for other PE firms relatively easy if you have a meaning role in investment. PE firms still prefer guys with buyside + modeling exp compared to someone with just sellside and modeling exp.
that being said...you might want to edit the post as there aren't that many +2 bn fund in LA...let alone having an analyst role so you are easily searchable