Intel Corp Finance or Small PE Firm

Have an offer with both Intel corporate finance and small PE firm that pay relatively the same (~60-75/year all in for each). I am an undergrad from a state school so the PE firm would be really good experience but the fund is only ~50MM now and isn't investing in the most profitable clean tech sectors. There are about 6 full time people that work at the firm and I would be 1 of 2 analysts/associates. My time horizon for either company is about 2 years and I am having trouble deciding what will be the best experience on my resume for exit ops (both MBA and job ops). Ultimately I would like to get into Tech VC and aren't sure if other shops will respect the PE experience that I will have. Obviously Intel corporate finance isn't going to be the most interesting job but there is more security and I am getting some relevant industry experience, but less finance experience. I also know that Intel will probably be a better life balance (less hours, more vacation, better location). I appreciate any comments, I have to decide in the next couple days and wanted to hear others opinion.

6 Comments
 

~50 mm fund seems really small. I understand for the VC purposes, but if there aren't any deals, that means no experience.

I suggest Intel Corp Fin - I know that a lot tech/media companies have VC arms (IBM, Comcast, Disney) that dabble in "tech" startups. After 2-3 years of good honest work and networking, you may be able to land yourself at intel's sub (if they have one).

In this environment, I would suggest Intel. Last thing you want is the fund to call its quits 1 year after you start. Or they cut ur salary and then ultimately fire you. With no deal/real experience under your belt, you would be in a bad position.

I'm only focusing on the cons here. This is the base + bear case.

The world has changed. And we must change with it.

------------ I'm making it up as I go along.
 

I've interned at a small PE firm (similar AUM size as yours) and it sucked. I didn't learn shit.

One thing you definitely want to check at the PE firm is intellectual capital. IMHO, if the people you are going to work with are not above you at an intellectual level now (i.e., they have BB/Elite Boutique banking experience or are Ivy grads) then you can seriously forget about doing any meaningful work.

PM me if you want to talk more.

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