PE from Post-MBA Consulting
CO
(Chimp, 5
Points)
on 11/3/08 at 7:51pm
Hey Guys,
So it's pretty established that BA/Assc entering MBB from undergrad have a decent shot at PE at the mega funds. What about post-mba candidates (say with previous mm banking experience)?
Is it simliar to banking, where analysts have a good shot but associates don't have the same exit opps? Like to hear thoughts from both PE (especially from consulting) and Consultants...





I would like to know the
I would like to know the answer. I am Post-MBA consultant (BA) working for some investment management firm and now want to move to PE/HF side.
If you're looking to move
If you're looking to move post-MBA consulting (MBB) to PE, give yourself plenty of time and make sure to start networking early, and keep your options open. The research I've done, from looking at career paths of alumni of my MBB firm and looking at the backgrounds of folks profiled on websites from PE shops, is that there are a few MBB post-MBA folks who end up in PE, most of them with previous IB experience and top 3 MBA. That said, possible paths seem to include:
1. PE firms that like consultants (e.g. Bain Capital, Golden Gate)
2. Ops role at a PE firm (e.g. KKR Capstone), then move to investment side
3. Middle-market or early-stage PE firm -- experience not as good, but potential roles exist and if you're good, you can still do well
So it's not impossible, but it is very difficult. Make sure you keep your options open and have a backup plan.