PE offer VS. BB IBD offer

I am an undergraduate and have recently got an offer from a large-cap PE firm(think TPG, Carlyle etc) and an offer from a BB IBD in Asia.

Any suggestions which offer should I choose?

I am aware that joining PE at the undergraduate level might not contribute much. But I think there are two reasons why I probably should choose PE over BB IBD offer: 1. if I figure out I cannot survive in a PE firm after a year, I might still leverage this brand name for an IBD offer in the region(is my assumption correct?) 2. if I figure out I don't want to do PE after two years, I still have better chance to get in a top tier MBA program, as compared to working in IBD. And I can pursue what I am interested in after graduating.

Additionally, as the PE firm has its own M&A arm, do you think I can switch to that division easily if I cannot catch up with the work in PE later?

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

6 Comments
 

Why would you not go with the PE offer? Most people go to work in IBD so they can get the offer from PE. You skipped that step. Go for it.

I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
 

Do PE.

If the brand name is a good as you say, you will learn a lot and will be sought after should you decide to change firms or go into Investment Banking early in your career. However, if you don't like PE at the Analyst level, I can't see how you are going to enjoy Investment Banking at the Analyst level.

If you have your heart set on doing an MBA, experience a top PE firm would most likely stand out more than Investment Banking.

 
Best Response

It is much easier to go from PE to IB than it is to do the reverse. Definitely go with the PE firm assuming the position is as an investment professional (as opposed to a support professional). If the job is to assist portfolio companies in establishing a presence in Asia, you may want to reconsider. M&A transaction experience in the holy grail and you'd much rather be doing M&A in IBD than an operations support role in PE.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

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