LMM PE -> MBA -> SM possible?

I will pursue an MBA at a top 5 US school and want to recruit for a US SM HF after.

3 questions: What are my chances i get a good SM spot? 

How can I improve my chances now to land a good spot (have about 1.5 years left until MBA)

Any other advice not captured through above questions? Thank you!

Profile: 

Associate at a European LMM PE fund with good returns, strong deal and portfolio work exposure 

Prior: Analyst at BB in M&A

Education: top 5 European school, strong academics (scholarship merit based)

At time of MBA would have 2 years of banking experience and 2 years of PE

10 Comments
 

1. Get into H/S or W.

2. Have to define “good SM” for me but it’s feasible. >$5-10B SMs you will have very, very low probability. Some good seats at other shops are possible if you’re talented. Hardest part will be getting interviews - once you’re in the room you can prove it. MFs will get interviews based on experience but if you/bosses/friends are well networked at HFs you can get looks.

3. If dead set on top top SM you could push school back a year and try to lateral to a bigger shop. Personally wouldn’t go this route as there’s a lot of uncertainty along the way

 

Thank you very much for your reply! Pretty much in-line with what I was expecting.

By bigger shop are you thinking MF or would a strong MM or UMM fund be enough to substantially increase my chances?

 

I would say it's extremely difficult and/or not possible if you don't attend HSW. You have to realized that those 3 schools have a pool of ~200-300+ kids who have solid BB/EB + PE experience that would be applying for SM HF, the question is why would they go down the value chain to a M7 when there's such a large pool of capable candidates already? 

 

CBS VIP is very good and can give you the push that you need. Seen a lot of unexceptional candidates (pre-MBA) go through it and lands great SM offers. I'd put you ahead of them for pre-MBA experience. CBS VIP is a LOT of work, but that's what prepares the students for landing great roles. 

 
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