Target Net Worth?

Outcomes in MF PE are extremely promotion-dependent. The small percentage who make it to real economics do phenomenally well, but the vast majority of associate don't and end up on a very different path, often exiting PE entirely or moving to smaller platforms (either with or without MBA).

Because of that, certain MM/UMM firms with genuine upward mobility can produce stronger median outcomes, even if the absolute ceiling isn’t megafund-sized. Earlier access to responsibility, a growing platform, and less hierarchy can matter as much as brand. The key variable in PE is simply how hard each promote is and whether the organization is expanding. If the seats above you are full, merit alone usually isn’t enough.

IB is different. MD outcomes can be extremely lucrative, and while promotion is never guaranteed, more people tend to make VP, Director, and utlimately to MD than survive equivalent transitions in PE. So I think of it less as “which pays more” and more as a probability distribution, MF may have the biggest jackpots, but not necessarily the best odds for the median person. Thus, just like most things in life, would reccomend you approach the root quesiton behind all of this as evaluating your personal risk-reward equation for your career.