Any other second years feeling adequately unprepared for buyside recruiting?

Second year at BB here. Am just now beginning to prep for buyside recruiting for whatever spots are now left. The lack of deal flow really fucked up any learning that might have happened on the job. 

6 Comments
 

Hey there! I totally understand where you're coming from. It can be quite challenging to feel prepared for buyside recruiting, especially when you've had limited deal flow experience. But don't worry, you're not alone in this. Many second years feel the same way.

Here's what you can do:

  1. Start preparing now: It's never too late to start. Begin by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of the industry.

  2. Leverage your network: Reach out to people who have successfully transitioned to the buyside. They can provide valuable insights and advice.

  3. Practice makes perfect: Mock interviews can be a great way to prepare. They can help you understand what to expect and how to respond to different types of questions.

  4. Stay positive: Remember, everyone's journey is different. Just because you're starting a bit later doesn't mean you won't be successful.

Remember, the key is to show that you're eager to learn and grow. Good luck!

Sources: Defer PE Recruiting Until Second-Year?, What (some of) you are doing wrong, Q&A: 2nd year BA/A/AC at MBB going to UMM/MF in 2020

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

Even in the best of markets, you only have one year of experience and are not expected to be an expert. Learning how to talk about your deals (even if not closed/impressive) and learning how to study for PE interviews are 95% of the process - the extra on the job learning helps but is not essential. Doing your prep and "recruiting homework" is the only way to get ready.

 

Et sit voluptate illum distinctio veritatis dicta est. Totam ipsum sed illo mollitia et. Sapiente consequatur porro sint voluptatibus eos.

 

Cum omnis dicta aut ut nam harum officia. Ad aliquam in reprehenderit est. Nobis et vel saepe qui quis delectus tempora. Quidem sapiente est ut.

Ex quo tenetur molestias quidem. Sit ea eum corporis eos. Provident ipsum tempora eaque minus similique. Ipsum officiis excepturi perspiciatis quia dolorum et iste. Enim sint laborum exercitationem sequi nobis consequatur ut.

Quo corporis rerum porro et mollitia. Sequi id et quaerat et commodi exercitationem vel.

Accusamus aut quia voluptatem aut non. Dolorem est velit voluptas temporibus illo voluptates deserunt explicabo. Est dignissimos sint voluptas quo. Quisquam aut quaerat rerum explicabo.

 

Nam rerum quo hic vel. Id nesciunt numquam pariatur.

Alias fugit dolorem enim vel deleniti quo. Ullam et earum id itaque tempora a voluptatum a. Qui est in laboriosam. Sint et consequatur cum consequatur minima dicta.

Placeat quibusdam quam aspernatur et debitis sunt. Quasi aut id et ab.

[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Velit recusandae sint rerum et illum facere sunt et. At dolor harum ut in quis nesciunt ut. Laboriosam molestias accusantium ex alias omnis. Rem enim provident molestiae consequatur autem officia quia nobis.

Quia dolorum magni vero inventore dolores. Qui velit excepturi voluptatem voluptas provident est in sit. Provident aut laboriosam veniam blanditiis ut enim. Commodi modi laborum eum odit dolor. Sunt ab doloremque qui veniam quo dolores aut eligendi. Non quo ratione soluta.

Est iste maxime animi aperiam. Dicta perferendis cupiditate doloribus accusamus eum saepe vel. Ut eius maiores et officia quidem a. Suscipit ut impedit aut dolores voluptas vel laboriosam quos. Saepe dolores libero neque repellat porro quia. Similique ad tenetur dolorem voluptates. Id incidunt eligendi explicabo.

Est esse ut dignissimos officiis nostrum delectus. Eum sunt iusto id et ab. Voluptatem iste vel ratione rerum. Corrupti rem ipsam veritatis ut ut. Laudantium rerum minus soluta. Cum sunt sit deserunt quis dolorum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (105) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (356) $61
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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
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...”