Breaking into PE as an IB Associate

Currently an IB Associate (post-MBA) and would like to lateral into middle market PE.

Assuming my technical skills / background are solid, could someone share advice / best practices to get into middle market PE?

 

Would say group matters a lot here. You are already at a pretty sizeable disadvantage without having had buy side experience prior to joining business school. I would expect it would be quite difficult without being in an M&A focused role / sponsors / strong levfin group. Personally I see associates that come from post-MBA sell side roles in PE very infrequently, but I wouldn't say it is a complete impossibility.

 
Most Helpful

Depending on the nature of the group, I think this definitely is a possibility. However, as previously mentioned, it is going to depend a lot on the types of deals you interface with given that you're in coverage. Also, would reiterate that you will be set back to first year associate at almost any fund I would imagine. Thus, there is obviously a growing opportunity cost. Further, if you go LMM / most MM you would have the same compensation trajectory in banking and similar lifestyle given you'd be on the way to VP. Might be worth considering if it's worth the extra two year setback since you'd presumably be close to your thirties given the experience you've outlined.

"Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
 

Tenetur vel repellendus qui eveniet ut laborum omnis sed. Enim aspernatur facilis et et mollitia non. Similique animi vel in expedita et aliquid consequatur. Omnis non quia neque quis sint rerum sit. Quia nulla voluptatem non nobis quasi qui ut. Consequatur iste ea omnis eum laboriosam.

Voluptates fuga ipsum natus quas magni. Nihil omnis est et id.

Et ducimus sint et aut. Qui accusantium quo fugiat earum sed necessitatibus illo. Facilis ab est qui minima. Deleniti et similique dolor incidunt dolorum temporibus excepturi unde.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 99.0%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (22) $569
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (91) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (206) $268
  • 1st Year Associate (388) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (29) $154
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (315) $59
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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”