A2A or Leave for PE?
Hey guys,
So I find myself in both a fortunate and confusing situation.
I have two options now:
1. A2A offer at an elite boutique (somewhat niche group) to start next summer
2. PE offer (UMM fund, tech-focused) to start next summer
There are a few reasons I am hesitating taking option #2:
1. Money: A2A offer base is $40k+ higher; also offered a ridiculously high signing bonus; PE offer is low base but target bonus is $150k+. I think all-in A2A first year will be higher due to the signing bonus, but looking more at a long-term trajectory obviously.
2. Current team in banking: I really like the people I work with and think we have quite a balanced culture; I work very reasonable hours, which of course differ week-by-week, but compared to my friends at other groups / banks, I feel quite lucky. In contrast, I've heard the PE fund I am looking at has quite a hardcore culture (though more learning opportunity?)
3. No need for MBA if I stay in banking, while PE seems to be more old-schooled here based on my conversations (PE firm I have an offer from promotes only "exceptional" people).
Yet, PE seems like a great option for:
1. Broadening my skills / learning to work in a new environment / increasing optionality long-term (I don't want to work 80-hour weeks several years from now, so looking for a more balanced career in the future). They say you can come back into IB from PE, but after a certain point in IB, the doors to PE start closing.
2. Also while I do think I am good at execution in IB, I am not sure I'd be a good salesperson if I were to become an MD one day.
3. And finally, I do like to dig in and work in depth on one project vs spreading myself thin across multiple companies / deals -- feel like PE would serve this purpose better.
Anyway, would be great to hear some of your thoughts here, especially those who have gone through a similar thought process before. Thank you!
Is the EB group in an industry you are interested in / would want to build a long term career within? If not I think that's an important factor to consider as you "specialize" in this niche group as an assoc.
Imo seems like as long as you don't burn bridges with you current group/firm it would be pretty easy to come back if PE is absolutely awful for you. They have to like you/your work product if you got A2A. Risk vs reward seems to favor the PE gig.
What EB and whats the A2A bonus?
Went through nearly the exact same decision process recently. Went with A2A and very happy about it. Unless you have good sources on the inside of the PE shop, it’s a complete roll of the dice in terms of WLB, culture, deal flow, etc
If you’re not absolutely dying to break into PE, take the comp + familiar situation and run. Can always recruit again down the road.
Agree with this. Culture and WLB are a big part of liking either job. If you actually like your EB and don't get killed on hours, that seems like reason enough to stay. You can still recruit pretty well as an associate, especially with A2A.
Throw comp out the window, especially short-term associate numbers. When the numbers are both quite high the incremental $x shouldn't stop you from picking the best move for your career.
One thing you might want to consider is if you want to pursue H/S/W MBA and if this UMM PE firm traditionally places well into these schools.
Is it common for BBs to pay an A2A bonus when you're staying within bank?
Yes
Went through a similar decision recently (UMM PE vs A2A) and chose PE. Haven’t started yet but here was my thought process:
I’m sure “grass is always greener” plays a big role, but I just thought PE was worth a shot. Banking will always be rhere
Personally I'd go the PE route. It is good to develop an investor skill set, and if you decide you want to move back to IB later on, it is an easy switch. If you stay A2A, and eventually want to move to PE, it can be difficult and you may need to settle for a subpar fund. The higher base and signing bonus may seem like a lot right now, but long term(if that is what you want), it should really be irrelevant to your choice. Just pick what you have more interest in as a career.
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