Family Office Exit Options / Career Questions

I am considering a move from buyout PE to a mid-level role at an east coast single-family office ($1-2bn AUM). Mostly direct investing but typically minority investments (a little exposure to public equities, secondaries, and FoF investing as well). 

1) If this role didn't work out, what career paths are still available? Imagine returning to traditional LBO would be a non-starter but would the corp dev / strategy / corp fin also be a difficult jump? 

2) Is this strategy pretty common for SFOs? Or do most real players typically do full-buyout? 

3) What would comp expectations be for a role like this VP / Deal Lead in a HCOL area (NY/BOS/etc.)? 

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are the insights for your questions:

  1. Career Paths if the Role Doesn't Work Out:

    • Corporate Development/Strategy/Corporate Finance: Transitioning to these roles might be challenging but not impossible. The skills and experience gained in a family office, especially in direct investing and minority investments, can be valuable. Networking and leveraging your experience in deal-making and investment strategy will be crucial.
    • Other Options: You might also consider roles in asset management, wealth management, or even other family offices. The diverse exposure to public equities, secondaries, and FoF investing can open doors to various investment-related roles.
  2. Strategy Commonality for Single-Family Offices (SFOs):

    • Minority Investments: It is not uncommon for SFOs to focus on minority investments. While some SFOs do engage in full buyouts, many prefer minority stakes to maintain flexibility and reduce risk. The strategy can vary widely depending on the family's investment philosophy and goals.
  3. Compensation Expectations for VP/Deal Lead in HCOL Areas (NY/BOS/etc.):

    • High Cost of Living Areas: Compensation for a VP/Deal Lead role in high-cost living areas like New York or Boston can be quite competitive. While specific figures can vary, you can expect a substantial package that reflects the high cost of living and the level of responsibility. For reference, compensation packages for similar roles in these areas can range significantly, but aiming for a total comp package in the high six-figures to low seven-figures is reasonable, depending on the specifics of the role and the family office's compensation structure.

These insights should help you evaluate your potential move and understand the landscape better.

Sources: US cities Ranking (compensation based), Leave PE for Corp Dev VP role?, Where is the compensation in banking? Is it worth taking a pay cut for the long-term prospects?, Is this associate compensation competitive?, Do BB bankers really make that much money when you adjust for the cost of living?

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

Esse vel sequi iusto aspernatur vel quisquam omnis et. Culpa aperiam natus et. Consectetur ratione praesentium nemo aut in.

Maxime debitis et omnis saepe totam delectus dolorum vel. Tenetur quas eum alias maxime ab totam. Odit quo ut soluta labore eius cupiditate ut fugiat. Ut voluptatem quos sit voluptas sint vero quisquam. Ut sit aut asperiores occaecati aut maxime occaecati nisi.

Suscipit qui omnis fugit aut occaecati voluptates. Odit sunt ut perferendis quo accusamus exercitationem alias. Accusantium aperiam ipsum atque ea. Perspiciatis quo suscipit eos sed sit tempora rerum. Doloribus pariatur libero quia inventore hic eum et voluptatem. Nihil aut ea eos enim eum. Reprehenderit omnis et velit molestiae quia.

Veniam quo perferendis qui id sed. Itaque molestiae aliquid officiis qui blanditiis autem nulla mollitia. Sint velit ipsam dolores quo suscipit ullam. Totam ducimus non qui quia architecto. Illum alias rerum est ut odio omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”