Incoming analyst in an IB group that historically places extremely well. When looking at On-cycle something that is important to me is maximizing upward mobility while still being at a MF/UMM. What firms would I have a good shot at making it to VP/Principal/ Higher while still being at a good brand name shop. I know I'm asking for a lot, but wanted some more input.
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The best firm to join was the one 20 years ago. For someone more experienced who answers this, what is the likelihood of gen z actually being able to materialize a good amount of carry? I don’t want to do be PE because the circus of associates and vps who are unemployed.
Confirming, one of the circus of associates caught in the crossfire of terrible fundraising environment and mid/upper levels that don't leave room for anyone else.
sorry for being ignorant on this topic, but why is there a lack of upward mobility in PE? Like what happens when the seniors retire?
They don’t. And even when they do, they do the bare minimum to retain control, outsized carry despite not working and ownership in the GP. It’s a tale as old as time and happens at most tenured PE firms.
Apax - Probably the best MF/UMM in terms of upward promotion. If you made it to senior associate it's very easy to make it to VP and Principal. Promotion timeline: A2-> SA2->VP2.5->Principal.
Silver Lake is another one that is relatively easier. A and SA are 5 years with no VP role.
Firms that don't promote well at all (to my knowledge): GA, Permira, KKR, WP (insane associate class churn)
Silver Lake has a director position which makes it so that the principal position is basically like a VP position everywhere else.
Maybe you should take a second to enjoy life rather than be worried about what PE firms have the most upward mobility. You literally haven’t even started banking and are trying to solve for getting a job in PE where you can rise the ranks when you don’t even know if you’ll like finance and more importantly you’re just going to take whatever PE offer is most prestigious anyways
Weren’t you the one who asked how to be a better associate? Get a life man.
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