3rd Year IB Analyst, Top Bucket, Still No PE Offer. What Would You Do?

I’m looking for some candid advice on my situation and what you would do if you were in my shoes. I just finished my second year in IB and will be starting my third year as an analyst. I’ve received top bucket reviews both years and have been working hard to position myself for a move to PE, but I haven’t been able to land a PE role.

For background, I’m from a non target and currently work at a MM investment bank that is primarily focused on SPACs, ECM, and capital markets. My closed transaction experience is primarily IPOs and a De-SPACs. I have worked on a few buy-side M&A processes but they did not close.

I’m trying to figure out the best path forward. Should I continue applying and networking for PE, ask MDs for referrals, or consider lateraling to a BB/EB or stronger M&A focused bank to get better deal experience?

I’m primarily targeting LMM/MM PE and don’t necessarily need to land at a large fund. For those who have been in a similar position, what would you do entering your third year? Would you keep pushing for PE from the current seat or lateral first?

4 Comments
 

Getting interviews. On my resume I have three buyside M&A deals that ultimately didn’t close, but they made it through the first and second rounds with the strategics we were advising

 
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