Asking for advice – from BigLaw to PE
Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate your thoughts on my somewhat unconventional career path and plan to break into a global PE fund (ideally a MF) in the UK/US post-MBA. Here’s my background and current situation:
- Experience:
- ~10 years of professional experience in M&A, including:
- BB internship in the UK over a decade ago;
- ~1 year at a leading local IB;
- ~7 years at top-tier law firms, split between BigLaw and a #1 local player.
- Extensive transactional experience with strong client-facing skills and network.
- Significant transactional experience in M&A (buy-side, sell-side, mid- and large-cap).
- Leadership roles in startups and business-related NGOs, showcasing entrepreneurial and strategic thinking.
- ~10 years of professional experience in M&A, including:
- Education:
- Law and finance degrees from semi-target universities.
- Ph.D. with multiple prestigious academic publications and international scholarships.
- Pivot to PE:
- Burned out in law and found it misaligned with my aspirations.
- Spent 2+ years preparing: passed CFA Level III, completed modeling/valuation courses, and worked on building hard skills. Networked like crazy.
My situation
- Currently on an off-cycle program at a MF in London. While this role builds PE credibility, it doesn’t guarantee a full-time offer.
- PE opportunities in my home country (I'm from Europe) are limited, as the market has been sluggish. After 6+ months of recruiting:
- Secured an offer at an international M&A boutique (think: Livingstone/Alantra/Cavendish/DC/Clairfield) following a combination of strategic preparation, targeted networking, and the managing partner’s recognition of my commitment. My determination and transferable skills were acknowledged, resulting in a mid-level role that allows me to build on my existing experience rather than starting from scratch.
- In final stages for a senior analyst/associate role at a local mid-market PE fund.
Plan moving forward
- Spend 3–4 years at the boutique, leveraging its international presence to develop my skills (especially financial modeling) and build a global network in corp finance/PE.
- Pursue an MBA at an M7 business school.
- Post-MBA, target full-time roles at global PE funds (ideally MFs) in the UK/US.
Does this plan seem realistic for breaking into a global PE fund (MF maybe) post-MBA? Are there adjustments or additional steps you’d recommend to strengthen my chances, particularly transitioning from an M&A boutique?
I’d greatly value any advice or insights from those who’ve navigated similar paths. Thanks in advance!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your plan to transition from BigLaw to PE, particularly targeting a global PE fund post-MBA, is ambitious but achievable with the right steps. Here’s a breakdown of advice and adjustments to strengthen your chances:
Leverage Your Current Off-Cycle Role:
Boutique M&A Role:
Local Mid-Market PE Opportunity:
MBA Strategy:
Targeting Global PE Funds Post-MBA:
Additional Steps to Strengthen Your Profile:
Your plan is realistic, but the key will be execution. Balancing your boutique M&A role (or mid-market PE role) with networking, skill-building, and MBA preparation will be critical. If you can secure strong deal experience and an MBA internship at a global PE fund, your chances of landing a post-MBA role at a megafund will significantly improve. Best of luck!
Sources: Q&A - Starting Post-MBA Megafund PE, Q&A - Starting Post-MBA Megafund PE, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/going-from-mm-investment-bank-to-mega-fund?customgpt=1, Ask me anything - Non Traditional Background to MM PE to H/S/W, Moving from Asset Management into IB / PE
This is not possible imo. Sorry. Your time and energy is better spent away from this plan.
I’d have to agree with other commenter, MFs won’t like this. Idk about conversion at your MF (from what I’ve heard beyond unlikely) perhaps even try getting another MF internship lined up to increase conversion. Also consider, you wouldn’t be reaching a top role in MF even if you got there, you wouldn’t be highly regarded or considered equally in progression like your much younger counterparts (exponential trend to this as you become more senior); also what’s reasoning for MF, because if you want crazy comp, would you even have the time left to climb to a role that provides you with this required level? - Obviously not suggesting your going to die, but if you look at progression curve of seniors in recent years, it’s radically different (much flatter) than the trajectory of the current top dogs since the firm has grown so rapidly.
The banks you’ve listed actually drag you away from MF status… I see this as a disservice to your prestige path, perhaps roll the dice for a slightly better firm, especially if you want the top decile of PE shops down the line.
Back to PE, if you end up MM/UMM, this can still pay out if you stay til senior at a decent shop. I’d like to stress the position that not being from the trodden path puts you in. Either way, respect the hustle at your age, and as I’ve said on other posts if your crazy enough to believe something and work at it like a crazy man, perhaps you can be crazy enough to convince someone in the right position your the best candidate in the moment.
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