A Crossroad of Choice - What would you do?

Hi Monkeys,

I write here looking for some advice. 

I am currently an analyst at a small PE firm (<$60m AUM, 4 FTE) in the midwest. I have been here for around a year split between intern/analyst. My pay lags way below even the average graduate in the country as context.

I feel that I am fighting a losing battle in the industry. Most of the bigger, well-known PE firms would be very hard to move to. For starters, I would be up against candidates with 2-3 years investment banking deal flow, it does not seem at my current firm I will be able to gain comparable deal experience in that regard. So I find myself in a strange position; in private equity - yet no real experience/brand name leverage to move up in the industry, battling with IB candidates who have formal training programs and extensive deal experience. 

I recently got an offer for a Global Market Sales program. Not BB - albeit for my self reflective and honest level coming out of college, the prospect of a graduate program at a global investment bank is a feat I wouldn't of thought possible not too long ago. 

In terms of the S&T industry, despite my current PE field - I love markets. Keeping up to date with world events, economic developments etc is something I do and love everyday regardless, even though I can't actually usefully apply the passion in private markets as much.

On the one hand, I have had pretty rapid financial modelling experience and see a another promotion incoming (although I get seriously, seriously underpaid and the pathway to levelling up to a better PE firms seems like a task where the system is set again it).

On the other hand, I can enter into a formal investment bank graduate program, get my foot into the door in the banking world, and build my skill set in an industry that definitely interests me (although starting over skillset wise/unknown about future state of industry).

To sum up, I would love any advice/commentary on weighing up the 2 career pathways given my current situation.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

Weighing Your Options: PE vs. Global Market Sales Program

Current Situation:

  • Position: Analyst at a small PE firm ($60m AUM, 4 FTE) in the Midwest.
  • Experience: Around a year split between intern/analyst.
  • Compensation: Below average for graduates.
  • Challenges: Limited deal experience and brand name leverage compared to IB candidates.

Offer:

  • New Opportunity: Global Market Sales program at a global investment bank (not BB).
  • Interest: Strong passion for markets, world events, and economic developments.

Considerations:

Private Equity (PE):

  • Pros:
    • Rapid financial modeling experience.
    • Potential for an upcoming promotion.
  • Cons:
    • Underpaid significantly.
    • Limited deal experience and brand recognition.
    • Difficult to move to larger, well-known PE firms.

Global Market Sales Program:

  • Pros:
    • Entry into a formal investment bank graduate program.
    • Opportunity to build a skill set in an industry of interest.
    • Potential for better compensation and career growth.
  • Cons:
    • Starting over skillset-wise.
    • Uncertainty about the future state of the industry.

Advice from WSO Content:

  1. Evaluate Your Strengths and Interests:

    • Identify where your natural or learned strengths lie and align them with your interests. If there's a strong overlap, it indicates a good fit for your career choice.
  2. Consider Optionality:

    • Maximize your optionality by putting yourself in a position where you are most likely to succeed. Think about where you have a comparative advantage and where you can shine.
  3. Focus on Immediate Choices:

    • While it's important to have a long-term vision, the immediate choices in front of you are crucial. Focus on optimizing the next step that aligns with your career goals.
  4. Research and Operate Intentionally:

    • Take your time to research both career paths thoroughly. Make intentional decisions based on your findings and personal aspirations.
  5. Leverage Your Passion:

    • Since you have a strong passion for markets and economic developments, the Global Market Sales program might offer a more fulfilling and engaging career path.

Conclusion:

Given your passion for markets and the structured opportunity presented by the Global Market Sales program, it seems like a promising path. It offers a formal training program, better compensation prospects, and aligns with your interests. However, ensure you weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider where you can leverage your strengths most effectively.

If you need more personalized advice, consider reaching out to mentors or professionals in both fields to gain further insights.

Sources: Advice From an Advisor to Senior Wall Streeters, When to jump - Advice on switching jobs, careers, and fields, Advice From an Advisor to Senior Wall Streeters, Private Equity vs. Venture Capital in 2018, Help. Feeling Lost

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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