Discussing Exit Ops with A Senior Banker when it is a Taboo Subject

Folks,

I am currently exploring exit opps from my current role at what I'll call a boutique regional IB. Whilst searching, I am not getting much traction on account of (what I am assuming) the lack of name recognition of my firm. Accordingly, I would like to rope in the help of one of the senior folks around here as he has some solid connections to industry specific niche MM PE shops with whom we have done some work (I am not under the false impression that a megafund is a viable option at this juncture). I've done a lot of work in said industry, and am pretty convinced I would be a good fit for a fund like the ones I have in mind.

Here's my issue: most folks around here don't move on to PE shops, so there is no process. In fact, discussing an exit opp is actually a little taboo. Is there any way to broach this subject gracefully or should I continue to have at it on my own?

(I recognize that this is probably a subject more suited for the IB forum; however I feel like the folks in the PE forum -- who are presumably being a bit older on the whole -- might have more to say on this subject).

5 Comments
 

I was in the same situation. I kept everything secret and applied/networked on my own for interviews. I would sneak out for phone calls and phone interviews and call in sick/take long lunches/go to the doctor/dentist. The other jr guys, analysts and associates, that I was close with knew but that's it. Not worth rocking the boat. I'd imagine your firm isn't like a bb with a structured program where after 2 years you leave. If this is the case, they probably aren't expecting you to leave and if they find out you are it might not be the best situation. Depending on your situation I'd tread with caution.

 

Have at it on your own. Any decent shop without a predetermined exit will quicly determine an exit date for you if they catch you / you open your mouth.

 

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