Do a new comer to a Private Equity Firm gets a crappy project?

Hi all

Is it common for a new analyst who joined the firm awhile ago to be tasked on crappy projects? I am a 2nd year analyst who joined a new firm but it seemed other two analysts who were with the firm 1-2 years already get better projects.

The reason why I think this way is because we recently got a really important deal and my partner swapped out the other analyst from a deal, that is dragging for 2 years but we intend to close eventually, with me so she can work on a more important deal.

Also, whenever we have deals, the two other analysts get priority. I feel like a substitute.

And at the deal I was swapped onto, my investment manager is sort of incompetent for her level, making mistakes a rookie should not and communication is poor. It's a very tough project indeed with a very hard management team from the target side as well.

I am starting to think there are two reasons 1) partner does not find me competent 2) partner plays favoritism. However, my manager told me that partner told her that since he hasn't worked with me properly, he does not know my strengths.

Kindly advise your experience and thoughts. I would leave the firm if the reasons I suspect turn out to be true.

Many thanks!