KKR, Blackstone, TPG...

I know a guy who got a job at Blackstone right out of undergrad. He worked there two years, and is now at KKR

If he got a job at Blackstone he probably could have gotten a job at GS/MS.

It is more difficult but by no means impossible. If you know anyone that works for these firms your best shot is probably to have them vouch for you and then circulate your resume internally, rather than through a headhunter. If you do use a headhunter, make sure they are convinced that you are the most superlatively talented person in the entire crop of applicants, and hopefully they will make an effort to sell you appropriately.

Unfortunately I don't have any personal connections with anyone at these firms, so I guess my best shot will be through headhunters.

Cheers to putting our future in the hands of headhunters!

I have nothing to add except the firms you have listed measure up to the Gold Standard.

Lloyd, the only reason you will call me now is if Carmen Electra calls for an emergency tittyfucking session

I'll be at BS and I'm with LEH. I worked on a deal with them so I'm guessing that helped during the interview.

and he's going to Blackstone in London, they are just starting up an office for PE there. Had another friend who worked at a non-MS/GS RE group going to Blackstone REPE.

There are guys from Merrill/UBS/CS/Lehman/Lazard at top shops. It comes down to your repor with headhunters, rating/bonus, recommendations from team members, group you are in and knee pads.