IB (BB) > PE Growth Equity > PE Mega > B School (worth it?)
Started off at a BB (think GS, MS, UBS, CS, JPM) - 2 years ($70k base, $70k bonus)
Moved to PE Growth Equity (think TCV, TPG Growth, Carlyle Growth, Bain Cap Ventures) - 2 years ($100k base, $100k bonus
Jumped to Mega Fund (think GS PIA, H&F, SLP) ($110k base / $200k bonus)
I added pay for those of you that are interested.
Still an associate at the mega despite being one at the growth equity shop for 2 years. Reaching the point where if I apply bschool in a year then the option will no longer make sense. I would go to school mainly for three reasons... 1) take a break from "work", 2) network, 3) see if there is something out of finance/investing that interests me.
Things I worry about... 1) opportunity cost (will be around $1 million), 2) employment risk (low, but there is some), 3) wasting two years to get back to where i already was (goes to opportunity cost, but not monetary)
It would be great for people to share their thoughts and opinions. I am leaning towards applying to have the option, but am unclear as to what my decision will be.
Other pieces of information:
- I would only apply to H/S/W, maybe columbia
- Went to a tier 2 school UG b-school (i.e., think U Mich, Stern, BC, UVA)
- GPA UG was 3.6 overall, 4.0 finance
- did not take the GMAT
thanks in advance.






I'm not qualified to advise
I'm not qualified to advise you, but I'll make a comment anyway.
Do you have periodic reviews? Could you bring up your dilemma during one of these? If I was in your shoes, which I will hopefully one day be, then I'd just ask it outright. Explain your situation and leave the room with a clearer understanding of i) where you can go with your firm; ii) where they'd like you to go.
Your next steps should then be clearer.