Ex-MBB, MFPE associate experience in different country still at disadvantage in Buyside Recruiting?

Am I at disadvantage in Buyside recruiting at MBA (targeting H/W) for PE (or VC if PE don't work out) despite being MFPE associate in a different country (Mumbai), I had prior experience in MBB & now completing my associate stint at Global Mega Fund PE in Mumbai (Global Funds are very active here). My experience in a non-US country will put me at disadvantage alongside H1B issue?

I have usually heard that PE/VC recruiting especially for International & H1B are a problem, I have seen how many PE firms like Warburg, Blackstone, etc do sponsor H1B but for which profile, idk.

Another choice is Post MBA- IB associate of MBB, 2-3 years then jump to PE but people here have said it's usually impossible for variety of reasons. Few have told me VCs would recruit for senior position from Post MBA- MBB Consultant position.

Thanks. 

4 Comments
 

Will be harder for US opportunities post bschool. International experience is discounted and the assumption is deals are far less complex than what you’d see in the US. That said, it is very much possible, especially if you got to HSW. I’d encourage you to maintain your relationships with your current firm and see if you can rejoin in their NYC or SF office post MBA

 

H1B + not currently in the US is basically a non-starter for the US right now - or at least enough of a significant risk that I would not spend $$$ and opportunity cost on it. Even with the pause on the $100k fee (which they are actively looking for a way around), there is just a crazy amount of visa uncertainty. For example, they changed the CPT guidance last week and a ton of grad students are now shut out of internships. You would be living in a lot of anxiety.

Even in the much more immigration-friendly last admin, H1B odds were about 1/5, so high chance you had to move in a few years. There's no easy solution. The demand to come in is just significantly higher than the number of spots they will make available.

I would try to come over on the L-1 visa or look into EU, Canada or other more visa-friendly countries. Worth networking with current b-school students with a similar profile and seeing how their recruiting experience has been, but even MF PE experience in India is going to be seen with a hefty discount in the US and the MFs are not short of highly talented prospects with no visa issues.

 

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