Career path confusion

We are all aware of the process of 2 years as an IB analyst to PE.

I've been a bit confused here because I've actually seen PE firms that have this requirement of 2 years IB experience, which are for a 2-year program at the PE firm itself.

In this situation, would the PE firm only be expecting to have this analyst for 2 years then leave for an MBA or other firm? Also, how common is this practice? Thanks.

5 Comments
 
mrb87

I thought it was common knowledge that many PE funds have as standard 2-3 year Pre-MBA programs. I guess I was wrong. So, I can't believe I have to do this, but:

2yrs IB --> 2-3yrs PE --> MBA *or* --> HF *or* --> VP at another PE firm *or* --> whatever else floats your boat

I feel like this should be a standard and open disclosure by recruiters, but it is by no means clear (maybe others have different experience). A lot of people on here make posts discussing their CAREER in PE after getting into a BB. Now it seems like a certain career is not possible if you do the 2 years in IB then 2-3 years in PE when a "career" only begins after the MBA. When I hear "career" I think of a long-term job. One that you would not have to necessarily change firms in a matter of 2 years.

This was very helpful as I feel that it may not be clear to more people than you think. A firm was nice enough to clarify this a bit, where recruiters do not touch on. You went the extra mile and gave me all of the information that I needed.

Mind if I ask what career path you took?

 
Random Name
mrb87 wrote:

I thought it was common knowledge that many PE funds have as standard 2-3 year Pre-MBA programs. I guess I was wrong. So, I can't believe I have to do this, but:

2yrs IB --> 2-3yrs PE --> MBA *or* --> HF *or* --> VP at another PE firm *or* --> whatever else floats your boat

I feel like this should be a standard and open disclosure by recruiters, but it is by no means clear (maybe others have different experience). A lot of people on here make posts discussing their CAREER in PE after getting into a BB. Now it seems like a certain career is not possible if you do the 2 years in IB then 2-3 years in PE when a "career" only begins after the MBA. When I hear "career" I think of a long-term job. One that you would not have to necessarily change firms in a matter of 2 years.

This was very helpful as I feel that it may not be clear to more people than you think. A firm was nice enough to clarify this a bit, where recruiters do not touch on. You went the extra mile and gave me all of the information that I needed.

Mind if I ask what career path you took?

I did 2yrs banking, 2 yrs PE then HF. I switched not because I had to (I should clarify that many PE firms also let you stay on a partner track if you're good - say in the top 5-10%) but because I fucking hated PE.

 

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