There is no set path to breaking into Private Equity, but there are paths that are much more common. As an undergraduate student you will be facing a significant challenge. Very few PE firms recruit undergraduates and the ones that do are usually extremely selective.
The most traditional route to private equity is to first work for two years as an Analyst at an investment bank. Management consultants are also sought after by a number of firms, but they do not make the jump to the buyside nearly as often as IB Analysts.
If you’re interested in PE but are already in an MBA program, you are once again fighting an uphill battle unless you have PE experience prior to business school. The majority of firms look for Associates who have experience in PE prior to getting their MBA. The most common (and easiest) route to a career in private equity is completing the two year IB Analyst stint, completing two years as an pre-mba associate at a PE fund, attending a top business school, and then returning to PE.
Relevant Discussion on Wall Street Oasis:
- Why do People Choose Megafunds Over MM?
- Breaking into Private Equity from Banking
- Breaking into a Megafund from MBA
- PE Out of MBA With No IB Experience?
- How Should I Go About Breaking Into PE?
Additional Resources:
- Networking & Breaking In: How do I cold-call or cold-email someone in finance?
- Networking & Breaking In: How do I network my way in?
- Search WSO for: "breaking into Private Equity"
- Relevant WSO Guides: WSO Breaking into Private Equity and VC, WSO Networking Guide, and Behavioral Interview Guide
- Relevant WSO forums: Get a Job
- Relevant WSO Services: Wall Street Mentors' Mock Interviews and Career Coaching
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