Starting a Career in HF vs. PE

Hi All,

Finishing my masters in finance next month and I have a few options for starting a career in either HF or PE. Would greatly appreciate any advice or insights. I really enjoy analytical work and telling a story with a compelling narrative. I really like my VC internship but it seems impossible to find an Associate role right out of school with only 2 years of equity research experience.

HF:

Portfolio Management Program at one of the big two asset managers

1. Not sure of exit opportunities if I don't like the team I'm placed on after rotations
2. Are translatable skills only useful for other institutional funds? or HF an exit possibility?
3. Will I actually do anything real or will I just "learn" from PMs?

or Quant Work for Energy and Commodities at a hedge fund

1. Greater exit opportunities but will I be siloed into Ag and Energy asset class?
2. How much does brand name matter? or is past performance the only concern?
3. Average time before you get fired at a HF? Im told that the nature of these firms.

PE:

PE Specific Consulting

1. 2-3 years on runway before having to exit to client or go get MBA at top-tier school
2. How much management consulting vs market research
3. Competitiveness of PE and troublesome horizon with rates set to climb

or Corp Strat focused on M&A

1. Lots of exposure to c-suite but not many exit opportunities without putting in significant time to become upper management
2. Exits: PE? MBA? Other Corp Strategy?
3. Would I have to stay in the same vertical? (Business Equipment & Supplies)

Best,

Chimp