PE Internship to SA IBD 
(Senior Chimp, 19 
Points) on 6/30/09 at 12:59pm
How far would a relevant intership at a top tier PE firm (think KKR, Carlyle, etc) go in terms of helping get an interview for a summer associate at a non-target? And no, I did not have an internship at such a place, but there is the possibility that next summer I might be able to due to connections with some high up people. I also have some network with VPs/MDs at some banks so if I play those two cards right would I still be able to get an interview even with a bad gpa (instead of saying how bad let's just assume really really to see how far the other two things would go)?
The other two
by BankonBankingThe other two things would go quite far. Regarding the VPs/MDs at the banks, that can help you to a degree, depending on the banks, and depending on the staffing needs, but working at a KKR or the like will definitely help you break into IB. The question really becomes, if you can get into KKR, then why do you want to go to into IB - in other words, what are your end goals for an IB FT analyst program - and why don't you think working at a KKR would allow to fulfill them as well?
To your question, VPs and MDs can help to a degree, as I mentioned before, but working for a KKR style PE firm will definitely overshadow a poor GPA, especially if you get some relevant and solid experience (for the resume) out of it (and not just get coffees and read the newspaper the entire summer). I would say that you should be able to land a decent number of interviews, especially when combining both the internal recs and an internship with KKR - once you get the interview, however, it's up to you.
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sdf
by pedaltodafloAre you looking for a BB analyst or associates position?
associate
by Kirby23associate
Sorry
by BankonBankingSorry, I misread as analyst. If you are out for an associate position, have you been to B school yet (if so, GPAs don't often matter, it's more about name as Top schools usually don't disclose, or at least disclose with the standard 4.0), or have you worked in the field already - I was assuming your internship connections were for straight out of undergrad.
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how is masters in finance
by Nk85how is masters in finance looked upon at? do they manage to get associate positions or are offered entry level analyst positions only ?
Haven't been yet, but it
by Kirby23Haven't been yet, but it would be a non-target. Aside from the possible PE I've done some finance (non-ib).
Are you interested
by BankonBankingAre you interested in going to B school then P/E, the IB, or are you looking to just do a P/E internship and make the move from there? I think the former is definitely doable, the latter will be harder, just in the sense you would have to show the IB that your prior finance work is relevant and worthy of an associate level position, then the P/E internship would have to be at the associate level, as IB analyst goes to P/E associate. The P/E internship will definitely help, but I think you may have some difficulty without the MBA - again, in this business who you know counts for a lot, so you've always got a shot, but the MBA, even from a non-target, would make the journey much easier.
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Depends
by BankonBankingThe MBA is definitely the more common continuing degree, but a Masters is seen from time to time. If the Masters is a continuation of UGrad, as in some of the 5-year programs, you will be viewed on the analyst level, if it is a separate program, then I you would be seen more on the associate level, but, again, it's not the typical degree. Masters students often have a difficult time when completing the UGrad continuation as they are seen as analysts, but many banks prefer typical UGrad students, and not those that have some sort of a continuing degree, as the continuing degree would usually classify an associate bump (I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but this is what I've been told and seen from several people I know with Masters degrees).
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Going with the former. MBA
by Kirby23Going with the former. MBA (non-target) with (hopefully) PE internship and then hopefully to ibd sa.
I like it
by BankonBankingI like it - and I'm pretty sure most people on this forum would like be in your shoes (a solid lead at a KKR type and a lot of contacts in IB) - make the most of it and good luck.
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Seems like a lot of hoping
by junkbondswapSeems like a lot of hoping and "possible" opps... An internship at KKR would certainly open some doors but not necessarily negate your weak academic performance / competiveness in the applicant pool. It would seem pretty obvious to me after reviewing your resume that you got into KKR based solely on a connection and not on your own merit (which isnt entirely uncommon in a business based on relationships) but still a red flag in my opinion come recruiting season given the very large and capable talent pool in this environment with prior deal/industry experience. Best of luck getting the internship.
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How would you end up with
by goalieman688How would you end up with two summer internships? Are you doing an internship prior to B-school? Additionally, what is the draw to IB vs. staying on the pe side?