Bain Capital vs Advent vs Berkshire

Title says it. Which of the three would you pick for an associate PE role in Boston? Considering all relevant variables, such as progression, culture, learning experience, resume value, comp, etc.

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Three of the best shops you can go to, especially if you're a consultant. There's pros / cons of each, but when I was recruiting I had them ranked as:

1. Berkshire - They seem to promote a lot from within and will sponsor business school, both of which were important to me. Mostly generalist experience as an Associate, which I wanted. Culture seemed really good, though a bit "old money" like.

2. Bain Capital - Probably the biggest name of the three. I liked the people I met there and thought it would be a great experience, but thought odds of getting promoted / b school sponsored were quite low. Also generalist Associate experience.

3. Advent - Still a fantastic option, but less compelling for me because the people I didn't really click with the people (fine interactions, but never hit it off with anyone). Like Bain I thought promotion/sponsorship chances were low, and they align you to a vertical which I didn't love.

Bottom line is these are three high-caliber funds, any of which will set you up for great success in the industry. I would prioritize based on culture fit, potential to be promoted vs. biggest deals, and generalist vs. industry-focused. The prestige is there for all three. 

 
Controversial

Best days of bain capital are behind them, would take the other two 

 

Best to worst (which is a bit unnecessary because they all place well enough to where the major differentiator should be the individual) Berkshire -> Bain -> Advent

Know folks who have worked at two of the above and went to BSchool, one of them chose his offer between his current shop and the 3rd specifically for BSchool reasons. There's a thread somewhere on here that goes into more detail on specifically Berkshire, supposedly has lights out placement odds with HBS.

 

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