Family Office PE Internship Uncertainty — Best FT Recruiting Story?
I’m heading into senior year and wanted to get some perspective on how to best position myself for FT recruiting.
Sophomore year I interned at a solid middle-market PE fund. Junior SA recruiting didn’t pan out, but I managed to land a late-starting internship this summer at a smaller family office buyout platform. The internship began later in the summer, and while the work has been meaningful, they’ve been dragging their feet on formal onboarding and have been vague about next steps.
My current plan is to stretch this into September, then resign and move into a more structured fall internship (I have some interviews lined up) while continuing to recruit for FT in valuation/credit/IB/PE. The reason I’m even debating it is because I want to create the smoothest possible story for FT recruiting, and I’m unsure if it’s better optics to stick it out here despite the uncertainty or transition quickly into something else.
Would appreciate any thoughts on what makes the most sense here and how to best frame the situation for FT recruiting.
To position yourself effectively for FT recruiting, here’s what you should consider based on the most helpful WSO content:
Evaluate the Current Internship: While the family office buyout platform offers meaningful work, the lack of structure and clarity on next steps could be a red flag. If the internship doesn’t provide tangible deliverables or a clear narrative for your resume, transitioning to a more structured fall internship could be the better move.
Transitioning to a Fall Internship: If you decide to move on, ensure the transition is seamless. Highlight the meaningful work you’ve done at the family office and frame the move as a proactive step to gain additional experience in a structured environment. This shows initiative and adaptability, which are valued in FT recruiting.
Networking and Storytelling: Networking is critical. Start reaching out to professionals in valuation, credit, IB, and PE to build connections. When framing your story, focus on the skills you’ve developed (e.g., deal exposure, financial modeling, portfolio management) and how they align with your FT goals. Emphasize your ability to adapt and learn quickly, especially given the unconventional path.
Timing for FT Recruiting: FT recruiting can move quickly, often starting in late summer or early fall. Make sure you’re actively networking and applying now. As seen in WSO threads, persistence and early outreach are key. Use your current and upcoming internships as talking points to demonstrate your commitment and readiness.
Smooth Story for FT Recruiting: Recruiters value a cohesive narrative. If you transition to a fall internship, position it as a strategic decision to broaden your experience and prepare for FT roles. Avoid framing it as leaving due to dissatisfaction; instead, focus on the additional skills and exposure you’re seeking.
Ultimately, the decision to stay or transition depends on whether the family office internship can provide a compelling story and relevant experience for FT recruiting. If not, a structured fall internship combined with strong networking efforts could better position you for success.
Sources: My FT Recruiting Process, FT PE Analyst from Undergrad, How to Navigate FT Recruiting: Learn from My Successes/Failures, Staying a third year as a PE associate vs. doing something nontraditional, PE Lateral Recruiting Advice/Stories/Help?
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