Great Investing Role, Bad Comp for Long Term?
Guys - I'm a 3Y analyst at a BB that just received an Associate offer with a top-25 growth equity fund in a non-NYC/SF city. For me, the opportunity is fantastic in all aspects including the geography (learning opportunity, industry, promotion timeline if you do well as people have moved up to VP faster than 2+2 before) except compensation. Fund performance is great, all current partners were founders or started as associates. I'm confident if I worked here for 1-2 years I could move to a T1-T2 name investment firm (as previous individuals have) if I wanted.
However, the comp is low - similar to analyst comp I've gotten the last 2 years at a BB IBD (~$180k). I've been recruiting off-cycle for almost 1 year and just haven't found great opportunities like this (I do not want to be in a 2 and out program, really like the sourcing / execution mix in a GE buyout model). I've had offers / am very late stages in other non MFPE opportunities that definitely pay in line with market (~$220-250k), and Corp Dev options that pay similarly too (but won't take CD at this stage).
I'm considering the idea of long-term growth, the mentorship that I can clearly see that goes on here, and the ability to lean in. Anyone have thoughts on maybe feeling like things are 1-step back 2-steps forward? The WLB is definitely better than traditional PE firms, but the emphasis on standing out to get promoted faster nullifies that where I'll be trying to prove myself as a smart guy (which I don't have any doubt). I can tell the team really likes me and has a very strong impression, and I want to leave banking ASAP (I've been checked out for a while since doing off-cycle so long).
Growth equity comp is typically lower than buyout -- while the largest funds are matching PE peers, many are in the $250k area still. Sub-200 is low even for growth, but not smart to index heavily on comp at this stage of career. Right now the main objective imo should be where can you get the investing experience to reach the mid-level (VP/Principal).
Important to diligence fund size / performance / fundraising momentum. That and mix of culture / fit within the organization. You don't need to be there forever, but hopping around from fund to fund is not in your best interest early on unless they're kicking you out and it's a formal program (quite the opposite in banking, where jumping around can actually boost career trajectory / earnings).
I would try to finish out your other interview processes if already in late stages -- you might as well make the most informed decision. But otherwise, if being an investor is what you want to do, the haircut in comp is worth it. You should get a sense for sourcing bonuses as well...most firms have them at varying levels.
Source: In GE now. Took a paycut vs. other offers I had (GE and buyout) to join my current firm because of the room for upward mobility, fundraising momentum, and cultural fit. My comp is still materially higher than in banking, so I don't take it as "1 step back"...but definitely lower than what it could've been had I picked another spot. I will say -- while cash comp is somewhat similar in banking, the difference in your new worth at the senior levels is astounding and is my North Star as I make career decisions now. We are all paid pretty well for early / mid 20s in any case.
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