IB -> PE -> IB?

Hey guys - I am at a UMM PE firm and was previously at a BB (GS / JPM) in IBD. Coming up at the end of my 2+2 next summer. How easy / hard is it to transition back into IB? What is the story I need to tell?

Just want to clip some cash comp for 4-5 years before exiting to a MCOL city for WLB job.

Thanks fam.

10 Comments
 

My current director did that (i.e. went from associate in pe to associate in ib for a bit and then vp pretty quickly). dont know how he framed things but shows you it is at least possible

 
Most Helpful

Did the same -

Like someone mentioned, going back to your bank is the easiest / probably won’t have folks asking you why the switch.

If that route is unavailable, I recommend focusing on networking / applying to Sponsor Groups, LevFin, M&A at sponsor heavy firms.

BB is a good route but you can also make a good case for banks like HW / HL / etc. that just churn out sponsor deals.

Story - PE was great educational experience / training ground, but you prefer the culture (bullpen, fraternal, etc) of banking vs PE + the experience of working on multiple deals vs getting caught in the weeds on one deal or focusing on a portco that’s on fire / long-term career wise your strength lies in developing client relationships vs. being analytical (make sure to highlight that an MD at a bank is more client focused vs. MD in PE that is more focused on the deal) 

Best of luck!

 

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