10 years of pursuing PE with no success. Last living family passed away last week. Someone tell me some good news today.
Hey guys,
I hope this post doesn’t come across as complaining or anything. I’ve been a lurker on here since 2011 (since I was in Non-Target) with the goal of getting into PE. I had a disabled sibling who I had to care for after my parents passed away so I went into tech in order to start making money right away and also have the time for her. She tragically passed away last week and I couldn’t even give her a good life despite my efforts. I’ve always grown up poor and have wanted to create generational wealth through PE so that nobody in my family ever has to go through this again. I enjoy the deal making aspect greatly and I’ve been obsessed with breaking into this field for years. I’ve taken tons of modeling and technical courses and read PE news daily. I find often read threads about PE late into the night and beat myself up with “what if?” scenarios.
I know some people will say just focus on tech and that their work isn’t that great in PE, but I’ll literally sleep outside an office now if I have to; I don’t care what it takes.
Despite sending out 1000s of emails and attempted coffee talks over the years, I’ve not been able to land any PE or IB Roles. I’m 31 now and I know that the MBA to -> PE is nearly impossible given that I have no Pre-MBA experience so I just want someone to give me some good news today. It’s been a particularly stressful week with me losing my sister to ALS. I have nobody and I feel very alone. But I’m trying to remain as positive as possible.
Sorry if this post was dramatic.
Edit: Everyone has been so kind and I can’t thank you all enough. These replies made a big difference in giving me some hope. I do plan to DM some of you to see what path I should take moving forward. I wish you all a tremendous amount of success and happiness. Thanks again.
Have you figured out why you didn’t get those positions? As long as you articulate why they chose you over other candiates then I don’t see anything wrong with trying again. Perhaps it was just some factor of luck / unluck.
Hey! Thanks for the reply. It was mainly because I had tech jobs (systems engineering type of work) which was difficult to spin and transition into IBD/PE. I even tried to work for search funds and it didn’t seem to help. Though I’m open to any suggestion. Thanks again!
MBA -> IB associate -> MM or LMM PE. It happens more than you think
100% agree and more often if you are ok with Private Credit
Reading this post after late night working gives me mixed feelings about my life.
Although the information we have is limited, but it seems like you think PE as the magic place for money (it really isn't) and this strong desire to get in may have hurt your performance during coffee chats/interviews. I am speaking from personal experience, breaking into IB (and PE later) is easier than people realize for someone who has the tenacity, which seems like you do. And if you articulate you story to them like you did here, I think bankers at most groups will show empathy and give you a shot for a junior role. (at least invited to super day).
None of these should serve as career advice about where you go from here, but just another way of thinking. I don't think take an MBA (or network harder) and then get into IB/PE changes the situation. You may hate that lifestyle especially after you lost the original motivation.
In the end, I am trying to say you've done great. Coming from a very non-traditional background and sending more 1,000 emails myself, I understand the efforts and think I was only digging into PE news before interviews. Have some rest and after that if you are still interested in finance, it's a good time and there are plenty options for you to pursue. Life isn't always easy, but it'll get better.
Adding on to this, your mental health is super important here and sounds like you’ve gone through a lot. Would suggest you consider seeing someone professionally.
Working in PE will not ease the tragedy…take the time you need to grieve properly and reevaluate your priorities (ideally with professional help), then come up with a game plan if you still want to break into investing.
There are tons of great careers adjacent to your background (many of which may end up making you wealthier) that can be fulfilling and may involve investing. go get an MBA, take some time to reflect about why you want to be an investor and whether that’ll really be as fulfilling as you think.
Hi, I do plan to get some professional help; I did have a similar set of feelings when my parents passed away in a car accident; yet my desire to enter investing has remained just as strong.
Would you be ok with me DMing you to see what these other career options are? As far as I can think, VC seems to be the only other thing I can think of and it is basically a subset of PE.
OP - You deserve to take some time for yourself to process and grieve.
You clearly have the drive and motivation to be successful at whatever career path you end up going down, but more importantly, I would like to believe that your family would want you to be happy and healthy above all.
You owe it to yourself.
I don't have anything to add OP except I imagine how tough this is and give you my sympathy for your recent loss.
It is definitely not too late, but I do caution you on putting everything into your job. Waking up one day to find there isn't much else isn't a great feeling. I was a 29 yo IB analyst. If you were to get into a top 10 MBA program, go IB Associate, then I think you still have a good chance of going to PE. You might start as an associate (trust me that grind isn't easy when you're older), but it is absolutely a possible path. There are no guarantees. You might go get your MBA and strike out completely, but from the sound of it you are someone willing to take that shot. DM me if you ever want to chat about potential options.
Very solid advice. Thank you. I’m trying to see if there’s a way without an MBA. I tried to DM you but it’s not allowing me to as I’m a new user. Whenever you have time, I’d love to chat if you could send me a DM first as that should let me reply.
What did your path to a 29 yo IB analyst look like. I’m late 20s as well, graduate this month with a far from traditional path. Any tips to breaking into any type of high level finance role? Literally open to any type of position, just trying to get my foot in the door.
What did your path to a 29 yo IB analyst look like. I’m late 20s as well, graduate this month with a far from traditional path. Any tips to breaking into any type of high level finance role? Literally open to any type of position, just trying to get my foot in the door.
Family first.
I am proud of you (not joking).
You put your families needs ahead of your own.
You sir, are a good human being.
Thanks Doug. Just a lost human being who wants to be successful haha. You’re a good human being too! How are you enjoying consulting?
Trust me. I have been there and done that. I know exactly how you feel (my sincerest condolences) in wanting to provide for everyone in your family.
Just breathe. It took me a very long time to get here. Been down to the felt a few times. It took me a while to learn that if you work hard, the money will come. Money comes and goes. Spending time with your family is irreplaceable.
I still work a day job alongside two businesses I own because I like it and as a bonus, am home with the family all day. Thats priceless.
What in tech specifically have you been doing? Maybe going to work for a very small VC firm and working your way into something in growth equity would be a feasible path?
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