Best Non-Finance jobs to go into post PE

I am currently 2 years into my growth equity gig after 2 years of banking and feeling pretty burnt out. I do genuinely like investing, but don't like the extensive modeling, presentation prep and politics of the job. What I do like is developing a thesis on a space and meeting/talking to founders. With this being said, I feel like I naturally gravitate towards VC. 

However, I am very jaded from finance for now and would like a break before even considering going back. I am not interested in spending $150K+ on bschool. What are some jobs to go into that keeps the door open to go into VC? Some that I have seen are chief of staff, growth, GTM, and obviously corp dev. 

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some non-finance jobs you can consider post-Private Equity that keep the door open for a future move into Venture Capital:

  1. Corporate Development (Corp Dev)

    • Corporate development within a specific business/company is a common transition. It offers a better work-life balance and allows you to develop deep industry knowledge and contacts, which are beneficial for VC roles.
  2. Chief of Staff

    • This role often involves working closely with the executive team, providing strategic support, and gaining a broad understanding of the business. It can be a good stepping stone to VC as it demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking.
  3. Growth Roles

    • Positions focused on scaling businesses, such as growth marketing or growth strategy, can be valuable. These roles often require a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer acquisition, which are relevant skills for VC.
  4. Go-to-Market (GTM) Roles

    • GTM roles involve developing and executing strategies to bring products to market. This experience is highly relevant to VC, especially if you are interested in early-stage investments.
  5. Product Management

    • Product management roles involve overseeing the development and success of a product. This role requires a mix of technical, business, and leadership skills, which are highly valued in the VC world.
  6. Joining/Founding a Startup

    • Working at or founding a startup can provide hands-on experience in building and scaling a business. This experience is directly relevant to VC, especially if you are interested in investing in early-stage companies.

These roles not only provide a break from the traditional finance environment but also equip you with the skills and experience that are highly valued in the VC industry.

Sources: Breaking into Venture Capital out of Undergrad??, Private Equity vs Venture Capital - Differences and Similarities, Life after 2 years in Private Equity, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Et est qui illo fuga qui itaque. Molestiae iste ut voluptates et vel officiis. Voluptatem doloremque vitae quo corrupti nostrum. Officiis est unde sit iusto nemo rerum. Accusantium non quam dolores aut aut.

Dolor quibusdam ex id minus error. Maiores ullam animi consequuntur tempora est et assumenda. Qui at eaque aperiam occaecati magni libero. Eius rerum voluptatibus sequi enim doloribus fugiat. Quia laudantium esse nisi iste consectetur nesciunt doloribus architecto.

Est magni aspernatur iure officia enim. Ut adipisci ut sed nostrum at quasi dicta. Molestias est porro accusamus architecto deleniti possimus numquam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”