GS IBD or Bain to build PE Resume

Hi all,

I'm looking to go into PE. Interviewed with Blackstone, Bain Cap and a few smaller PE firms this recruiting season, but did not get any offers.

I did get summer offers from GS ibanking and Bain. Which offer do you think gives me the best chance of getting a PE job next recruiting season? I'm trying to build the best PE resume possible, so any help is welcomed. (Some context: I'm a junior at an Ivy League school with a GPA north of 3.75).

15 Comments
 

GS IBD. If you took the Bain consulting offer, it'd be incredibly harder to move over to PE without getting an MBA than if you took the banking gig, followed the normal buy-side recruiting schedule, and stepped over to PE like dozens of guys do each year.

I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 
A Posse Ad EsseGS IBD. If you took the Bain consulting offer, it'd be incredibly harder to move over to PE without getting an MBA than if you took the banking gig, followed the normal buy-side recruiting schedule, and stepped over to PE like dozens of guys do each year.
Plenty of top PE shops that only seem to take ex-consultants (Berkshire, GGC, etc.). You're blinded if you think they're at a major disadvantage. That being said, just to be safe for PE, I would take GS.
When one man, for whatever reason, has an opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.
 
Clever Name
A Posse Ad EsseGS IBD. If you took the Bain consulting offer, it'd be incredibly harder to move over to PE without getting an MBA than if you took the banking gig, followed the normal buy-side recruiting schedule, and stepped over to PE like dozens of guys do each year.
Plenty of top PE shops that only seem to take ex-consultants (Berkshire, GGC, etc.). You're blinded if you think they're at a major disadvantage. That being said, just to be safe for PE, I would take GS.
If you're in a strong group at any good bank, your recruiting opportunities will be far better and more direct for PE than if you're a consultant. It's that simple. Yes, there are firms that take consultants both with and without an MBA. There are far, far more who start pursuing bankers literally 9 months into their analyst stint.
I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 
Best Response

If you read his post carefully, you'll see that he did not get an offer from Bain Cap. This leads me to believe he got an offer from Bain & Co. for their Associate Consultant Intern position (since he's a junior at a target ivy).

Anyway - congrats on the offers, OP. It's no easy feat getting offers from both GS IBD and Bain. As for your question, I'd echo the sentiments of those above and say that you should go with GS IBD if you are trying to break into PE for FT. Good luck with your choice.

"Rage, rage against the dying of the light." - DT
 
AragornIf you read his post carefully, you'll see that he did not get an offer from Bain Cap. This leads me to believe he got an offer from Bain & Co. for their Associate Consultant Intern position (since he's a junior at a target ivy).

Oh, you're right.

Regards.

Don't believe everything you think.
 

GS IBD. But, if you are a junior in college, you are not going to get into PE out of college. Take the GS internship, get your offer, get your ass beat for a couple years, do a good job while you are there, network for PE, and then I am sure you will have a great shot.

 

I'll play devil's advocate and say take the consulting offer. You'll find the work more interesting and open up more options down the line even if you are at a slight disadvantage for PE. Also keep in mind that the comp difference between MC and IB is going to become a lot thinner.

-MBP
 
manbearpigI'll play devil's advocate and say take the consulting offer. You'll find the work more interesting and open up more options down the line even if you are at a slight disadvantage for PE. Also keep in mind that the comp difference between MC and IB is going to become a lot thinner.

So you agree GS IBD is better to build a PE resume.

 

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-MBP

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