3rd yr IB analyst - career advice needed - off-cycle recruiting

Hi All,

I am currently a 3rd year analyst at a small boutique bank (think M. Klein, Zaoui) on the job hunt. Also, previously worked at a BB in IBD for over a year before switching - was looking for more meaningful M&A experience and senior mentorship at the time. I am now looking to make another switch, into PE preferably.

As far as technical training and deal experience go, I don't regret the decision to stay in banking and to switch shops - although decision to leave a well-known bank for an obscure name (outside of banking circles) has been questioned both by friends and family and in recent networking conversations.

I am regretting the switch a bit as I look for PE job openings. I realize now that most of the upper MM / MFs have filled their classes for 2018 in the last cycle (did not participate myself). Had I stayed at BB think I would have secured an offer in cycle - most of the analysts in my class and friends from undergrad with similar backgrounds did.

How would you all suggest I source good exit opp(s) given I'm not planning on recruiting for Summer 2019, and so will be more off-cycle search?

I have reached out to headhunters (which I used when finding my current role over a yr ago) but seems they only have immediate hire openings and none all that interesting. I plan on staying at least a few more months where I am and I guess will just be keeping my head on a swivel for one-off openings from HHs for more promising roles.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks all