First-Time Poster Seeking Career Advice

Hi everyone,

I’m a long-time reader but first-time poster here and would really appreciate any guidance or advice you can offer.

I’ve just wrapped up my third year at an investment bank (think RBC, Wells Fargo, Nomura) and did not get the A2A offer as I was mentally drained from the job starting my third year.

Over the past six months, I’ve been recruiting for off-cycle private equity roles while still employed. I did everything I could to, from modeling practice to networking with over 100 PE individuals. I spent $1000s preparing for PE with purchasing every resource I could find to no avail.

I came close in a few processes but, unfortunately, wasn’t able to secure an offer. Now, I find myself unemployed and struggling to gain traction in the private equity space.

I’m at a crossroads and could use some advice. Should I continue pushing to break into private equity, or is it wiser to pivot and explore other opportunities until the market improves? Has anyone been in a similar position before? Any insights or experiences would be incredibly valuable.

I am considering cutting my losses from PE recruiting and trying my luck with a couple startup ideas. My thought process is that I could pivot to VC if I fail. My nightmare scenario would be going back into banking and I am still entertaining that path. That said, my heart tells me that I belong (and qualified) for a job in PE.

Thanks in advance for your help!