6 Comments
 

Based on the WSO Dataset, not all MFs (Mega Funds) strictly adhere to the on-cycle process. Historically, while many MFs participate in on-cycle recruiting, some reserve spots for off-cycle recruitment as well. This flexibility allows them to evaluate candidates who may not have been ready or available during the on-cycle period.

If you aim to land a position at a MF and miss out on an on-cycle placement, it's not necessarily over. Many funds conduct off-cycle recruiting, providing additional opportunities to secure a position. This can be particularly advantageous for candidates who need more time to polish their skills or gain further experience to stand out. Off-cycle processes might offer a more tailored approach, potentially leading to better alignment between the candidate's skills and the fund's needs.

In summary, while on-cycle recruiting is a significant pathway into MFs, off-cycle recruiting remains a viable and sometimes strategic alternative for candidates.

Sources: On Cycle 2025 Advice, On Cycle 2025 Advice, PE Recruiting Guide, 2023 On-cycle is a disaster, On-Cycle, IB Offers, Hair Splitting, Depression, and "The Path"

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Why is this getting monkey shit thrown at it? This is why WSO is so terrible at times, just a bunch of prospects throwing MS at someone answering a question not to their liking.

For the record, also did OC 2025 and can confirm this was the case.

 

Iste maiores veniam quo et. Unde esse ut voluptas iste nisi. Magnam et quod error nam rerum ducimus autem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $61
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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”