Am I Shooting Myself in the Foot for the Future by Coasting in My Current PE Role?
Hey all, looking for some advice on my current situation.
I went to a non-target school, did a few relevant internships, and eventually landed a job at a lower middle market (LMM) private equity fund that acquires SaaS businesses. We work with very low multiples (think 1-4x) and typically focus on unique situation deals. Although my title is "Private Equity Analyst," I feel like a glorified business development rep. My role is front-office, and I handle everything from analyzing information to reviewing deals from start to finish.
I work closely with bankers and directly with company C-suite management, which gives me exposure, but the financial analysis at my firm is pretty weak. We don’t do any future looking financial models, always assume flat growth, and most of our adjustments are to bottom-line EBITDA. The firm is a family fund, and it’s bad enough to say that we don’t even account for the time value of money. Essentially, we operate based on the retention rate of the business, bottom-line adjustments, and EBITDA (we don’t sell any businesses we acquire - think Constellation/valsoft but with a PE title)
I am involved in the internal due diligence process, including financial diligence, tax DD, etc., but I feel like I’m coasting through this job. I am underpaid, I’m 24 (turning 25 soon) and still live with my parents, so I don’t pay rent. I’m investing about 50% of my total comp year over year. The job is fully remote, which gives me the flexibility to travel as much as I want as long as I get my work done.
While this sounds like a great situation, I’m starting to worry I’m shooting myself in the foot. I’m not developing the technical skills I think I should be using, and it feels too early to pursue an MBA since I’m only a year out of university.
Am I making a mistake coasting in this role? Am I capitalizing on my situation correctly, or should I be pushing myself harder and looking for a more intense job to develop better technical skills?
Any advice or insight would be appreciated!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:
Skill Development and Career Growth:
Evaluating Your Current Role:
Future Planning:
Comparing with Peers:
Personal Considerations:
In summary, while your current role offers some benefits, it might be worth considering a move to a more challenging environment to develop the technical skills necessary for long-term success in private equity.
Sources: Burned out at dream job - time for a change?, From Private Equity Associate to VP in Private Equity, Was it a mistake? A confused Private Equity junior., Am I screwing myself or perfecting my craft?, PE Senior Associate - What next?
Regarding the point about feeling like you’re not learning, I wouldn’t take it for granted that everyone else at different firms are becoming super smart technically from interesting deals they’re working on; it could be largely the same.
If you’re thinking about MBA, it is important to stay on your shit for purposes of a good LOR.
It could be that a lot of the issues your having with the job have to do with still living at home. Might be worth seeing if you could find something nearby / cheap that gives some separation and independence
Thanks for your reply. What does LOR mean?
Letter of recommendation (from your supervisor, for MBA apps)
Sounds like this is more microcap than LMM (traditionally $25-100mm cheques - lmk if I'm wrong), and more of a holdco than a PE firm. So a family office holdco pursuing microcap buyouts.
The question is - what are you hoping for? The unlevered holdco model is different than PE. Some thoughts on different paths.
Also going to point out - as you're an analyst, you can still reset to an analyst program in IB with some effort, which would put you on track to recruit for true MM or LMM buyout.
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed response.
You’re right: our focus leans more toward microcap than traditional lower middle market (LMM), with transaction sizes typically within the $25-100mm range. Given our emphasis on unlevered, long-term investments, our approach does resemble a holdco structure more than a traditional PE model. However, all of our titles, including associate roles, are labeled as "Private Equity." Do you think it would be beneficial to adjust my title when I move on?
I’m considering the best path forward and have a few options in mind:
- Traditional buyout (LMM or MM PE): I know this would require significant preparation, especially since my deal experience could be discounted for its size and lack of leverage. What are some ways I could create proof points to strengthen my candidacy? I’d consider transitioning to MM IB, but I’m concerned that without stronger school branding, it's probably going to be impossible.
- Top MBA: An MBA is a serious consideration to reset my career trajectory. Stanford is my dream school, and I’ve started studying for the GMAT, though I understand it’s a stretch.
Do you think there’s truly no way I could position my experience to break into a smaller fund?
Thanks again for your guidance—I’d love to hear any additional thoughts you might have on what I could do.
HSW is not off the table lol
Go and watch office space
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