Advice
Looking for advice. I’m currently at a MF in associate program, and my program ends soon. I’ve been recruiting, but the market has been tough.
I have an offer to step up to VP at a smaller firm that is rebuilding. On the plus side, it gives me the VP title now and likely some execution reps. On the downside, the platform isn’t as established.
Do you think it’s better to grab the VP seat now (and re-recruit in 1-2 years), or hold out and keep pushing for other roles given limited timeline?
Taking the VP role at a smaller, rebuilding firm can be a strategic move, but it comes with trade-offs. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key considerations:
Pros of Taking the VP Role Now:
Cons of Taking the VP Role:
Alternative Approach:
Recommendation:
If the smaller firm offers a clear path to gaining valuable experience and the VP title, it could be a smart move, especially in a tough market. However, ensure you thoroughly evaluate the firm’s stability, deal flow, and growth potential. If you take the role, focus on excelling and building a strong narrative for future recruiting. If you decide to hold out, double down on networking and headhunter outreach to maximize your chances of landing a role at a more established platform.
Sources: No VP Promote from Sr. Associate - Seeking Advice, Downsides of PE VP Roles, No VP Promote from Sr. Associate - Seeking Advice, What's Your Five Year (IBD) Plan? A VP Reflects and Looks Forward.
Without doxing, can you explain "rebuilding?" Has the fund had a rough go and you're backfilling, or is it just newer? How's the geo - tier 1/same city or no?
The former though planning to scale back up quickly and tier 1 city but different location.
best to take i think. was process through HH? how big's the fund (roughly)
Depends on how large is the AUM of the smaller platform. Would not take the seat if fund size is below $1B
Even if it’s $500M+ range? Wouldn’t the title offset the smaller size if good experience?
Ugh this is a tough one. Big win to get the stepped up title in this market, but you're potentially also sacrificing the ability to return upmarket in the future if this fund struggles to make it. I also have concerns that things might be worse than relayed given the fund is in sell mode to convince you to join.
Have new funds been fully raised? How does the fund size compare to their last vintage - hopefully larger? Are economics sufficiently compelling to reward you for the career risk in supporting this brand/firm/strategy turnaround?
Fair questions. Fund is already raised and they’re in a rebuilding phase — smaller than last vintage but with intent to scale back up. I mainly view this as an opportunity to step up into a VP role and get quality execution reps, and if needed to move later, my goal would be to target a ~$1–5B+ fund. From what I’ve gathered, economics are fair relative to the risk. Based on all this, what do you think?
Ok cool. Assuming you've done your diligence on their reputation, strategy, culture, and quality of reps that you get, this seems like a nice seat (especially as you'll get to skip SA, for those funds that require it). Congrats.
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