Early Career Switch into PE Question

Hi Everyone,

I'm in a pretty big dilemma here very early into my career. I recently graduated from undergrad and began working a role at a tech startup in NYC at the start of this month. Everything has been great thus far at my company including the people, culture, and the software we provide is used by some of the most reputable PE funds across the globe. 

My problem is that I have been interviewing and just received an offer from a lower middle market PE fund in my top industry specific choice. My long term career goal was to eventually break into PE, but now the opportunity has presented itself a little earlier than I expected. Another factor to consider here is my comp would essentially be 2x of what I am making now first year out of college.

I am curious if anyone has guidance of what they would do in my shoes and the repercussions that come with leaving a company you have just started with so early on. I am leaning towards the PE role because long term I believe this will benefit me most in my career trajectory.

Any other advice would be much appreciated!

7 Comments
 

I appreciate the insight. In your opinion, do you think there are any downsides to leaving a company only 1 month into a job? I don’t want to leave a bad name and am trying to figure out how I will articulate my exit to my current company

 
Most Helpful

meeja

Ya it is, I'll definitely keep that in mind. Do you have any advice on how to approach my current manager/team about the switch?

Be firm when you tell them your decision. Tell them you want to work in private equity and this is an excellent opportunity. You did not anticipate that an opportunity like this would come by so quickly, and it wasn’t your intention to leave immediately. Offer to stay on for as long as they need, up to four weeks, if it helps transition work to another person.

I wouldn’t overthink this, happens surprisingly often.

 

Blanditiis est quia dolores quos possimus. Provident consequatur ut vitae esse voluptatem. Ea explicabo nobis nisi et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 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

September 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

September 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

September 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (356) $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

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...”