Do I have a chance to start off as a junior (associate/entry level) position in a PE Firm?

I graduated 2 years ago. I majored in accounting. I worked for 5 months in a major bonding company as an underwriter's assistant, officially called financial analyst. It was very technical and I really just made risk reports and analyzed financial statements for seniors..

then I worked for a year in a major bank's trust company as a trust administrator. Although it is in the world of finance in a BB and It does has some technical aspects to it, it's very administrative.

I realize now that a smaller more technical driven position is best for me in a smaller company. I have been doing some research and I have come across a few smaller "lower to mid market" private equity firms. (they hold assets of up to $100MM).

I am 27 years old, do you think that with my background, I have a COMPETITIVE chance in my city of 1MM people?

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The harsh truth is probably not. It doesn't hurt to apply however, and then if you don't get an interview or the position - ask for direct feedback. If they say you need a graduate degree or your undergrad grades were too low, you'll need that MBA. If it is your work experience, you could try to move into a different role first, but maybe also an MBA required.

There is a chance you get it though, because those ~100m AUM shops can't attract the best talent and can't usually match Ibanking analyst's expectations. If someone that size is hiring, apply and explain how hard you will hustle, sometimes they just want someone that will act like they would kill for the job.

 

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